hoist by one's own petard

Meaning

Adjective

  • To be hurt or destroyed by one's own plot or device intended for another; to be "blown up by one's own bomb".

Origin

  • From the play Hamlet (III.iv.207) by Shakespeare:
  • For tis the sport to haue the enginer / Hoist with his owne petar.

Modern English dictionary

Explore and search massive catalog of over 900,000 word meanings.

Word of the Day

Get a curated memorable word every day.

Challenge yourself

Level up your vocabulary by setting personal goals.

And much more

Try out Vedaist now.