shoot in the foot
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Related to shoot in the foot: put foot down
shoot (oneself) in the foot
To damage or impede one's own plans, progress, or actions through foolish actions or words. He'd have a real shot at winning the election if he didn't keep shooting himself in the foot with such inflammatory remarks. I think we shot ourselves in the foot by firing her, because she knew more about the project than anyone else.
shoot oneself in the foot
Fig. to cause oneself difficulty; to be the author of one's own misfortune. I am a master at shooting myself in the foot. Again, he shot himself in the foot by saying too much to the press.
shoot oneself in the foot
Foolishly harm one's own cause, as in He really shot himself in the foot, telling the interviewer all about the others who were applying for the job he wanted . This colloquial term alludes to an accidental shooting as opposed to a deliberate one done so as to avoid military service.
shoot oneself in the foot
tv. to cause oneself difficulty; to be the author of one’s own doom. Again, he shot himself in the foot with his open and honest dealings with the press.
shoot (oneself) in the foot
To do or say something that inadvertently undermines one's interests.
shoot oneself in the foot, to
To hurt one’s own cause by mistake. This expression calls up the image of someone holding a firearm pointed down and accidentally discharging it. Although the effect is the same, it must be distinguished from injuring oneself intentionally in order to avoid military service (or to be sent home from the front).
See also: shoot