What does “Paint yourself into a corner” mean?
"Paint yourself into a corner" means to get yourself into a difficult or impossible situation where you have no options or ways to escape.
What context can I use the in?
Example
By lying to his boss, he painted himself into a corner and now he has to face the consequences.
Example
She painted herself into a corner by taking on too many responsibilities and now she's overwhelmed.
Example
The company painted itself into a corner by relying too heavily on one client, and now that client has pulled out
Is “Paint yourself into a corner” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Paint yourself into a corner” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Paint yourself into a corner” effectively in context?
You can use "Paint yourself into a corner" to describe a situation where someone has gotten themselves into a difficult or impossible position with no way out. It emphasizes the idea of being trapped or stuck. For example, if a friend has taken on too many responsibilities and is overwhelmed, you might say, 'She's painted herself into a corner by taking on so much.'
- 1Deception
By lying to his boss, he painted himself into a corner and now he has to face the consequences.
- 2Overcommitment
She painted herself into a corner by taking on too many responsibilities and now she's overwhelmed.
- 3Dependency
The company painted itself into a corner by relying too heavily on one client, and now that client has pulled out.
Similar phrases to “Paint yourself into a corner”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Paint yourself into a corner” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Paint yourself into a corner" is unknown.
Is “Paint yourself into a corner” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Paint yourself into a corner" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where someone has gotten themselves into a difficult or impossible position with no way out.
What tone does “Paint yourself into a corner” have?
"Paint yourself into a corner" conveys a tone of warning or caution. It's often used to highlight the consequences of making poor decisions or taking on too much.
Can “Paint yourself into a corner” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "paint yourself into a corner" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of being trapped or stuck in a difficult situation. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'By lying to his boss, he painted himself into a corner.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He really painted himself into a corner!' to imply being trapped in a difficult situation.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- trap oneself
- corner oneself
- get stuck
- put oneself in a bind
- find oneself in a predicament
Antonyms
- escape
- find a way out
- get out of a jam
- have options
- be flexible
