hoist by one's own petard

Definition

Hurt or destroyed by one's own plot or device intended for another; "blown up by one's own bomb".

Etymology

From the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare, see quotations.

Example Sentences

• "He has no one to blame but himself; he was hoisted by his own petard."
• "For tis the ſport to haue the enginer / Hoiſt with his owne petar, an't ſhall goe hard"
• "Unhappily, the country as well as Mr. Marples has been hoist by the Minister's petard. (Mr. Marples was the Minister concerned)"