make a rod for (one's) own back

make a rod for (one's) own back

To cause problems for oneself in the future by doing something in the present that is ill advised. Primarily heard in UK. I'm telling you, if you don't get some more exercise now, you'll be making a rod for yourself when you get older.

See also: back, make, own, rod

make a rod for your own back

BRITISH

If you make a rod for your own back, you do something which will cause you many problems in the future. You're making a rod for your own back, you know, letting the child into your bed at night. You'll never get her to stay in her own bed now. Note: Verbs such as create are sometimes used instead of make. In a way, the company's success has created a rod for its own back, for the style is copied everywhere. Note: This expression refers to someone providing the stick with which they themselves will be beaten.

See also: back, make, own, rod

make a rod for your own back

do something likely to cause difficulties for yourself later.

See also: back, make, own, rod

make a rod for your own ˈback

do something which is likely to cause problems for yourself, especially in the future: I think she’s making a rod for her own back by not telling him she’s leaving. When he finds out, there’ll be trouble.

See also: back, make, own, rod