Paint myself into a corner In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "paint myself into a corner", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

Jimmy Hung

2022-02-09 06:02

Meaning of Paint myself into a corner (redirected from paint (oneself) into a corner )

Paint (oneself) into a corner phrase

To get oneself into a situation in which there is no way out, or that causes them harm or difficulty.

A: Mary spent all her money on food and clothes yesterday. And now, she is unable to pay the electricity bill. B: Oh, she painted herself into the corner again!

I really painted myself into the corner when I waited until the last minute to study for the exam.

You are painting yourself into the corner by delaying writing that essay until the last minute.

Grammar and Usage of Paint (oneself) into a corner

Verb Forms

painted (oneself) into a corner
painting (oneself) into a corner

The verb "paint" must be conjugated according to its tense.

Origin of Paint (oneself) into a corner

This idiom employs the visual picture of a person painting the whole floor save the corner where they stand, so that they cannot leave without walking on wet paint.

The Origin Cited: The free dictionary .