in spite of (oneself)
1. Despite one's own foibles, mistakes, or flaws. Somehow the Eagles managed to pull off a victory in spite of themselves. I knocked over my drink and called her the wrong name at one point, but all in all, I think the date went well in spite of myself. If he doesn't talk much, he might be able to have a successful interview in spite of himself!
2. Despite or against one's desire or intention. I was scared senseless when I realized there was a burglar in the house, but I laughed in spite of myself when he slipped on a banana peel on the kitchen floor. My little boy raises the cutest objections to time-outs that I end up smiling in spite of myself. I was riding the bus when I read that massive spoiler and gasped in spite of myself.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
in spite of someone or something
without regard to someone or something; even though another course had been prescribed; ignoring a warning. In spite of her orders to stay, I left. In spite of the bad weather, I had fun on vacation.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
in spite of
Regardless of, in defiance of, as in They kept on in spite of their fears. [c. 1400]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
(do something) in ˈspite of yourself
(do something) even though you do not want or expect to: He was a bit depressed so I tried to cheer him up with a joke. He smiled in spite of himself.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
in spite of
Not stopped by; regardless of: They kept going in spite of their fears.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.