give (one) enough rope to hang (oneself)
To give one the freedom or opportunity to do something wrong or detrimental to oneself, because one will usually do it. The saying expresses the belief that someone does not need to interfere to bring about one's downfall. Don't interrupt the suspect with questions, just let him keep talking. Give him enough rope to hang himself! Look, you don't have to do anything to undermine Bill, just give that fool enough rope to hang himself! Tom keeps bullying me to see if he can get a reaction. So today, I just let him carry on until I knew the boss could hear us, and Tom got fired for it. It's true what they say—just give him enough rope to hang himself.
give (someone) enough rope, and they will hang themselves
proverb If you give someone the opportunity to do something wrong or detrimental to themselves, they will usually do it; one does not need to interfere to bring about someone's downfall. Don't interrupt the suspect, just let him keep talking. Give him enough rope and he will hang himself. Tom keeps bullying me to see if he can get a reaction. So today, I just let him carry on until I knew the boss could hear us, and Tom got fired for it. Give someone enough rope and they'll hang themselves! Look, you don't have to do anything to undermine Bill, just give that fool enough rope, and he'll hang himself!
screw (oneself) up to concert pitch
To prepare for any event or crisis that may occur. My dad is nervous about me driving so far on my own, so I'm sure he's screwed himself up to concert pitch and is stationed by the phone in case I call.
shit (oneself)
1. rude slang Literally, to defecate while still wearing one's clothing. I need you to pull over the car right now, or else I'm going to shit myself!
2. rude slang By extension, to be very surprised. When I saw that the magazine had published my letter to the editor, I practically shit myself!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.