What is it called when someone attacks a person and the offender gets an even worse reputation?
What is it called when you defame someone and you happen to lose respect for doing that.
For example,
"George is verbally attacking John, by doing that George is losing people's respect"
Thus:
George <blank> himself by attacking John
single-word-requests idiom-requests
edited Dec 14 '17 at 17:37
Laurel
32.9k664117
asked Jan 19 '16 at 11:44
KyleKyle
353315
|
show 4 more comments
What is it called when you defame someone and you happen to lose respect for doing that.
For example,
"George is verbally attacking John, by doing that George is losing people's respect"
Thus:
George <blank> himself by attacking John
single-word-requests idiom-requests
edited Dec 14 '17 at 17:37
Laurel
32.9k664117
asked Jan 19 '16 at 11:44
KyleKyle
353315
A neat saying which encapsulates the phenomenon you describe is, "What goes around comes around."
– rhetorician
Jan 19 '16 at 16:15
"Backsplatter".
– Hot Licks
Jan 19 '16 at 19:16
1
As a fill-in-the-blank word, hurt works quite well in the example sentence you provide. More emphatically, only hurt might convey the intended sense.
– Sven Yargs
Jan 19 '16 at 21:44
could be called a "blowback", but I don't know how to phrase it around your example.
– njzk2
Jan 20 '16 at 19:03
1
This question reminded me of en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streisand_effect
– Ryan
Jan 21 '16 at 4:06
|
show 4 more comments
What is it called when you defame someone and you happen to lose respect for doing that.
For example,
"George is verbally attacking John, by doing that George is losing people's respect"
Thus:
George <blank> himself by attacking John
single-word-requests idiom-requests
edited Dec 14 '17 at 17:37
Laurel
32.9k664117
asked Jan 19 '16 at 11:44
KyleKyle
353315
What is it called when you defame someone and you happen to lose respect for doing that.
For example,
"George is verbally attacking John, by doing that George is losing people's respect"
Thus:
George <blank> himself by attacking John
single-word-requests idiom-requests
single-word-requests idiom-requests
edited Dec 14 '17 at 17:37
Laurel
32.9k664117
asked Jan 19 '16 at 11:44
KyleKyle
353315
edited Dec 14 '17 at 17:37
Laurel
32.9k664117
asked Jan 19 '16 at 11:44
KyleKyle
353315
edited Dec 14 '17 at 17:37
Laurel
32.9k664117
edited Dec 14 '17 at 17:37
Laurel
32.9k664117
edited Dec 14 '17 at 17:37
Laurel
32.9k664117
32.9k664117
asked Jan 19 '16 at 11:44
KyleKyle
353315
asked Jan 19 '16 at 11:44
KyleKyle
353315
asked Jan 19 '16 at 11:44
KyleKyle
353315
353315
A neat saying which encapsulates the phenomenon you describe is, "What goes around comes around."
– rhetorician
Jan 19 '16 at 16:15
"Backsplatter".
– Hot Licks
Jan 19 '16 at 19:16
1
As a fill-in-the-blank word, hurt works quite well in the example sentence you provide. More emphatically, only hurt might convey the intended sense.
– Sven Yargs
Jan 19 '16 at 21:44
could be called a "blowback", but I don't know how to phrase it around your example.
– njzk2
Jan 20 '16 at 19:03
1
This question reminded me of en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streisand_effect
– Ryan
Jan 21 '16 at 4:06
|
show 4 more comments
A neat saying which encapsulates the phenomenon you describe is, "What goes around comes around."
– rhetorician
Jan 19 '16 at 16:15
"Backsplatter".
– Hot Licks
Jan 19 '16 at 19:16
1
As a fill-in-the-blank word, hurt works quite well in the example sentence you provide. More emphatically, only hurt might convey the intended sense.
– Sven Yargs
Jan 19 '16 at 21:44
could be called a "blowback", but I don't know how to phrase it around your example.
– njzk2
Jan 20 '16 at 19:03
1
This question reminded me of en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streisand_effect
– Ryan
Jan 21 '16 at 4:06
A neat saying which encapsulates the phenomenon you describe is, "What goes around comes around."
– rhetorician
Jan 19 '16 at 16:15
A neat saying which encapsulates the phenomenon you describe is, "What goes around comes around."
– rhetorician
Jan 19 '16 at 16:15
"Backsplatter".
– Hot Licks
Jan 19 '16 at 19:16
"Backsplatter".
– Hot Licks
Jan 19 '16 at 19:16
1
1
As a fill-in-the-blank word, hurt works quite well in the example sentence you provide. More emphatically, only hurt might convey the intended sense.
– Sven Yargs
Jan 19 '16 at 21:44
As a fill-in-the-blank word, hurt works quite well in the example sentence you provide. More emphatically, only hurt might convey the intended sense.
– Sven Yargs
Jan 19 '16 at 21:44
could be called a "blowback", but I don't know how to phrase it around your example.
– njzk2
Jan 20 '16 at 19:03
could be called a "blowback", but I don't know how to phrase it around your example.
– njzk2
Jan 20 '16 at 19:03
1
1
This question reminded me of en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streisand_effect
– Ryan
Jan 21 '16 at 4:06
This question reminded me of en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streisand_effect
– Ryan
Jan 21 '16 at 4:06
|
show 4 more comments
15 Answers
15
active
oldest
votes
George shot himself in the foot by attacking John.
To do or say something that inadvertently undermines one's interests.
TFD
answered Jan 19 '16 at 11:57
CharonCharon
8,77942346
Oh yeah, now I remember it, I think this one fits it better, it's less formal, but it's more widely used +1
– Kyle
Jan 19 '16 at 11:59
It's very common in Britain.
– Charon
Jan 19 '16 at 12:00
3
It's very common in the US too
– Kyle
Jan 19 '16 at 12:00
@Mr.Derpinthoughton Both literally and figuratively in both U.S. and Britain I'll assume. ;)
– DoubleDouble
Jan 19 '16 at 21:17
@DoubleDouble hey, what do you mean by literally? :)
– Kyle
Jan 20 '16 at 10:03
add a comment |
You could consider using the verb backfire which means:
(Of a plan or action) have an opposite and undesirable effect to what
was intended: 'overzealous publicity backfired on her'.
Your example (You need to change the word order):
George's attack on John backfired on himself.
[Oxford Online Dictionary]
This was on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn't remember it, common though it is. +1
– Charon
Jan 19 '16 at 12:13
@Charon Your suggestion seems to work better. :-)
– user140086
Jan 19 '16 at 12:14
4
Metaphoric discharge of firearms being the common theme!
– Charon
Jan 19 '16 at 12:16
2
"George's attack on John backfired" ....... ?
– rkchl
Jan 19 '16 at 22:28
1
Quite similar: "backlash" or "blowback".
– Graffito
Jan 20 '16 at 20:56
|
show 1 more comment
George undermined himself by attacking John.
ie, 'mining' under what respect you have, causing your own self to 'fall'.
answered Jan 19 '16 at 11:51
rkchlrkchl
68847
3
that fits it, and it's really formal
– Kyle
Jan 19 '16 at 11:58
Because of the <blank> I thought you were looking for a one word answer...
– rkchl
Jan 19 '16 at 12:03
I'm sorry, I'm looking for any expression that fits it, thanks for bringing a one-word answer + 1
– Kyle
Jan 20 '16 at 10:06
This is the best one-word answer, although others would also fit: "sabotaged himself" "compromised himself" "diminished himself (in the eyes of others)"
– Stephen O'Flynn
Jan 20 '16 at 15:49
add a comment |
George diminishes himself by attacking John.
answered Jan 19 '16 at 15:52
Mark NortonMark Norton
1012
3
Can you elaborate on this a bit? Any references as to its usage you may have seen somewhere?
– Mohit
Jan 19 '16 at 16:58
2
I've used it myself, and is OK linguistically - probably best to google 'diminish oneself' or 'diminish yourself' and you will get lots of examples.
– Mark Norton
Jan 19 '16 at 17:02
4
Please do as Mark Norton suggests and expand on your answer.
– ab2
Jan 19 '16 at 18:52
add a comment |
George scored an own-goal by attacking John.?
answered Jan 19 '16 at 12:05
WS2WS2
52k27115245
3
Most of the world needs no reference for this. Bengals fan by any chance?
– TRomano
Jan 19 '16 at 17:43
1
I've heard it phrased more as scored on his own goal.
– DanTheMan
Jan 19 '16 at 18:06
own-goal is the term of art. stltoday.com/sports/soccer/mls-likes-new-stadium-plans-here/…
– TRomano
Jan 19 '16 at 18:47
2
oh, this answer is too British, just kidding, thanks for the new idiom +1
– Kyle
Jan 20 '16 at 10:08
1
@Mr.Derpinthoughton Well if you want it in French, it is un but contre son camp, in German ein Eigentor schießen, in Italian and Spanish un autogol, and in Brazillian Portuguese gol contra. But the rules are the same everywhere thanks to that noble organisation FIFA!
– WS2
Jan 20 '16 at 17:03
|
show 1 more comment
The problem with "slinging mud" or even getting into a "mudfight" with someone is that you'll often end up covered in the same mud. In fact, it's so very likely, that the concept is specifically stated in the definition example...
Casting aspersions with intent to discredit.
The campaign degenerated into mutual mudslinging, each candidate trying to tarnish the other's reputation and looking bad in the
process.
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/mudslinging
answered Jan 19 '16 at 18:08
RichardRichard
2,133822
1
Adlai Stevenson said, "He who slings mud generally loses ground."
– jejorda2
Jan 19 '16 at 19:28
@jejorda2 I like that quote. I've expanded it into a full answer.
– jkdev
Jan 20 '16 at 5:37
add a comment |
"Debased" : lower the moral character of (someone).
George debased himself by attacking John
answered Jan 20 '16 at 21:05
James FlemingJames Fleming
22914
This is actually the best word for the purpose in question in the English language, as it explicitly conveys that verbally attacking another person makes one own self be considered base or crass, and thus automatically conveys the "George lost people's respect" part.
– user21820
Jan 21 '16 at 10:06
+1 I considered "defamed himself" which is apparently valid, and has a similar meaning, but I think "debased himself" is really what I was looking for (and is more common).
– joeytwiddle
Jan 21 '16 at 18:25
add a comment |
There's an expression: "Whoever slings mud, loses ground."
It means that when you demean someone else, you demean yourself as well.
"Mudslinging" means insulting or attacking another person in order to harm his reputation or get him metaphorically dirty. "Losing ground" means falling behind in a competition, or being forced to move backwards. And it's also a play on words (mud/ground) -- when you throw something, you lose some of it.
So in this particular context, one might say "George is slinging mud and losing ground."
answered Jan 20 '16 at 5:34
jkdevjkdev
59725
Similar proverbs: *You will reap what you sow". Or more familiar: "You fuck with the bull, you get the horns".
– Graffito
Jan 20 '16 at 21:00
add a comment |
It's a third party opinion. How about simply "George made a fool out of himself by attacking John".
answered Jan 19 '16 at 19:16
ringadingdingringadingding
191
add a comment |
If you attack him publicly on this, you'll only be pissing into the
wind.
answered Jan 19 '16 at 12:56
TRomanoTRomano
15.9k21944
3
This implies that the tide has already turned against anyone who would criticize the figure in question. I think the question is looking for a term that implies that the criticism itself will cause the tide to turn against the critic.
– recognizer
Jan 19 '16 at 17:15
Not necessaily. Depends on how it's said. Compare: "If you attack him publicly on this, ..."
– TRomano
Jan 19 '16 at 17:41
2
Regardless, if the metaphorical "wind" is blowing, then an opposing force is there before the critic even opens their mouth.
– recognizer
Jan 19 '16 at 18:11
There's always a wind blowing.
– TRomano
Jan 19 '16 at 18:42
1
Pissing into the wind is applying a feeble force against a substantial force. I don't think this captures the idea of your own actions rebounding against yourself.
– Nigel Touch
Jan 19 '16 at 18:54
|
show 2 more comments
George was digging his own grave by attacking John.
answered Jan 20 '16 at 15:49
Alexander TorstlingAlexander Torstling
991
add a comment |
George is cutting off his nose to spite his face by attacking John.
"Cutting off the nose to spite the face" is an expression used to describe a needlessly self-destructive over-reaction to a problem: "Don't cut off your nose to spite your face" is a warning against acting out of pique, or against pursuing revenge in a way that would damage oneself more than the object of one's anger.
answered Jan 21 '16 at 17:17
Kevin WorkmanKevin Workman
11k12237
add a comment |
Degrades
Know this is old post, but just in case someone else stumbles on this like I did...degrades seems to fit very well.
answered 18 mins ago
Mitch MMitch M
1
New contributor
Mitch M is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
"Dishonored", "Defamed" and "Disgraced" all mean the same thing. Take your pick.
edited Jan 20 '16 at 18:16
GoldenGremlin
16.8k33966
answered Jan 20 '16 at 16:47
Darrell KitchenDarrell Kitchen
1
Thanks for your suggestion, but I'm looking for idioms "What is it called when you defame someone...""
– Kyle
Jan 20 '16 at 16:50
add a comment |
Petard
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petard
George made a petard of himself by attacking John.
answered Jan 20 '16 at 21:35
SamSam
1
1
Um, I think you mean that he hoisted himself with his own petard, not that he made himself a into petard.
– cobaltduck
Jan 20 '16 at 21:43
"" "hoist with one's own petard", meaning: "to be harmed by one's own plan to harm someone else" "" made a petard of himself not made into a petard.
– Sam
Jan 20 '16 at 21:53
1
@Sam The one who is hoist with his own petard is the bomb maker. The petard is merely a bomb. Never the same thing.
– David K
Jan 21 '16 at 7:23
@cobaltduck and David K: You two can word it however, you two choose to word it. He asked for an idiom, I gave him an idiom “petard” with a link to the full idiom. I used the word in the sentence as he asked. I do not know how to fit the idiom into “George "hoist with one's own petard" himself by attacking John”, so I changed it to make it fit. Yet it still fits all the other requirements he asked for. I do not understand what your twos problems are!!!
– Sam
Jan 22 '16 at 19:32
add a comment |
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15 Answers
15
active
oldest
votes
15 Answers
15
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
George shot himself in the foot by attacking John.
To do or say something that inadvertently undermines one's interests.
TFD
answered Jan 19 '16 at 11:57
CharonCharon
8,77942346
Oh yeah, now I remember it, I think this one fits it better, it's less formal, but it's more widely used +1
– Kyle
Jan 19 '16 at 11:59
It's very common in Britain.
– Charon
Jan 19 '16 at 12:00
3
It's very common in the US too
– Kyle
Jan 19 '16 at 12:00
@Mr.Derpinthoughton Both literally and figuratively in both U.S. and Britain I'll assume. ;)
– DoubleDouble
Jan 19 '16 at 21:17
@DoubleDouble hey, what do you mean by literally? :)
– Kyle
Jan 20 '16 at 10:03
add a comment |
George shot himself in the foot by attacking John.
To do or say something that inadvertently undermines one's interests.
TFD
answered Jan 19 '16 at 11:57
CharonCharon
8,77942346
Oh yeah, now I remember it, I think this one fits it better, it's less formal, but it's more widely used +1
– Kyle
Jan 19 '16 at 11:59
It's very common in Britain.
– Charon
Jan 19 '16 at 12:00
3
It's very common in the US too
– Kyle
Jan 19 '16 at 12:00
@Mr.Derpinthoughton Both literally and figuratively in both U.S. and Britain I'll assume. ;)
– DoubleDouble
Jan 19 '16 at 21:17
@DoubleDouble hey, what do you mean by literally? :)
– Kyle
Jan 20 '16 at 10:03
add a comment |
George shot himself in the foot by attacking John.
To do or say something that inadvertently undermines one's interests.
TFD
answered Jan 19 '16 at 11:57
CharonCharon
8,77942346
George shot himself in the foot by attacking John.
To do or say something that inadvertently undermines one's interests.
TFD
answered Jan 19 '16 at 11:57
CharonCharon
8,77942346
edited Jan 19 '16 at 11:59
answered Jan 19 '16 at 11:57
CharonCharon
8,77942346
answered Jan 19 '16 at 11:57
CharonCharon
8,77942346
answered Jan 19 '16 at 11:57
CharonCharon
8,77942346
8,77942346
Oh yeah, now I remember it, I think this one fits it better, it's less formal, but it's more widely used +1
– Kyle
Jan 19 '16 at 11:59
It's very common in Britain.
– Charon
Jan 19 '16 at 12:00
3
It's very common in the US too
– Kyle
Jan 19 '16 at 12:00
@Mr.Derpinthoughton Both literally and figuratively in both U.S. and Britain I'll assume. ;)
– DoubleDouble
Jan 19 '16 at 21:17
@DoubleDouble hey, what do you mean by literally? :)
– Kyle
Jan 20 '16 at 10:03
add a comment |
Oh yeah, now I remember it, I think this one fits it better, it's less formal, but it's more widely used +1
– Kyle
Jan 19 '16 at 11:59
It's very common in Britain.
– Charon
Jan 19 '16 at 12:00
3
It's very common in the US too
– Kyle
Jan 19 '16 at 12:00
@Mr.Derpinthoughton Both literally and figuratively in both U.S. and Britain I'll assume. ;)
– DoubleDouble
Jan 19 '16 at 21:17
@DoubleDouble hey, what do you mean by literally? :)
– Kyle
Jan 20 '16 at 10:03
Oh yeah, now I remember it, I think this one fits it better, it's less formal, but it's more widely used +1
– Kyle
Jan 19 '16 at 11:59
Oh yeah, now I remember it, I think this one fits it better, it's less formal, but it's more widely used +1
– Kyle
Jan 19 '16 at 11:59
It's very common in Britain.
– Charon
Jan 19 '16 at 12:00
It's very common in Britain.
– Charon
Jan 19 '16 at 12:00
3
3
It's very common in the US too
– Kyle
Jan 19 '16 at 12:00
It's very common in the US too
– Kyle
Jan 19 '16 at 12:00
@Mr.Derpinthoughton Both literally and figuratively in both U.S. and Britain I'll assume. ;)
– DoubleDouble
Jan 19 '16 at 21:17
@Mr.Derpinthoughton Both literally and figuratively in both U.S. and Britain I'll assume. ;)
– DoubleDouble
Jan 19 '16 at 21:17
@DoubleDouble hey, what do you mean by literally? :)
– Kyle
Jan 20 '16 at 10:03
@DoubleDouble hey, what do you mean by literally? :)
– Kyle
Jan 20 '16 at 10:03
add a comment |
You could consider using the verb backfire which means:
(Of a plan or action) have an opposite and undesirable effect to what
was intended: 'overzealous publicity backfired on her'.
Your example (You need to change the word order):
George's attack on John backfired on himself.
[Oxford Online Dictionary]
This was on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn't remember it, common though it is. +1
– Charon
Jan 19 '16 at 12:13
@Charon Your suggestion seems to work better. :-)
– user140086
Jan 19 '16 at 12:14
4
Metaphoric discharge of firearms being the common theme!
– Charon
Jan 19 '16 at 12:16
2
"George's attack on John backfired" ....... ?
– rkchl
Jan 19 '16 at 22:28
1
Quite similar: "backlash" or "blowback".
– Graffito
Jan 20 '16 at 20:56
|
show 1 more comment
You could consider using the verb backfire which means:
(Of a plan or action) have an opposite and undesirable effect to what
was intended: 'overzealous publicity backfired on her'.
Your example (You need to change the word order):
George's attack on John backfired on himself.
[Oxford Online Dictionary]
This was on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn't remember it, common though it is. +1
– Charon
Jan 19 '16 at 12:13
@Charon Your suggestion seems to work better. :-)
– user140086
Jan 19 '16 at 12:14
4
Metaphoric discharge of firearms being the common theme!
– Charon
Jan 19 '16 at 12:16
2
"George's attack on John backfired" ....... ?
– rkchl
Jan 19 '16 at 22:28
1
Quite similar: "backlash" or "blowback".
– Graffito
Jan 20 '16 at 20:56
|
show 1 more comment
You could consider using the verb backfire which means:
(Of a plan or action) have an opposite and undesirable effect to what
was intended: 'overzealous publicity backfired on her'.
Your example (You need to change the word order):
George's attack on John backfired on himself.
[Oxford Online Dictionary]
You could consider using the verb backfire which means:
(Of a plan or action) have an opposite and undesirable effect to what
was intended: 'overzealous publicity backfired on her'.
Your example (You need to change the word order):
George's attack on John backfired on himself.
[Oxford Online Dictionary]
edited Jan 20 '16 at 13:46
answered Jan 19 '16 at 12:01
user140086
This was on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn't remember it, common though it is. +1
– Charon
Jan 19 '16 at 12:13
@Charon Your suggestion seems to work better. :-)
– user140086
Jan 19 '16 at 12:14
4
Metaphoric discharge of firearms being the common theme!
– Charon
Jan 19 '16 at 12:16
2
"George's attack on John backfired" ....... ?
– rkchl
Jan 19 '16 at 22:28
1
Quite similar: "backlash" or "blowback".
– Graffito
Jan 20 '16 at 20:56
|
show 1 more comment
This was on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn't remember it, common though it is. +1
– Charon
Jan 19 '16 at 12:13
@Charon Your suggestion seems to work better. :-)
– user140086
Jan 19 '16 at 12:14
4
Metaphoric discharge of firearms being the common theme!
– Charon
Jan 19 '16 at 12:16
2
"George's attack on John backfired" ....... ?
– rkchl
Jan 19 '16 at 22:28
1
Quite similar: "backlash" or "blowback".
– Graffito
Jan 20 '16 at 20:56
This was on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn't remember it, common though it is. +1
– Charon
Jan 19 '16 at 12:13
This was on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn't remember it, common though it is. +1
– Charon
Jan 19 '16 at 12:13
@Charon Your suggestion seems to work better. :-)
– user140086
Jan 19 '16 at 12:14
@Charon Your suggestion seems to work better. :-)
– user140086
Jan 19 '16 at 12:14
4
4
Metaphoric discharge of firearms being the common theme!
– Charon
Jan 19 '16 at 12:16
Metaphoric discharge of firearms being the common theme!
– Charon
Jan 19 '16 at 12:16
2
2
"George's attack on John backfired" ....... ?
– rkchl
Jan 19 '16 at 22:28
"George's attack on John backfired" ....... ?
– rkchl
Jan 19 '16 at 22:28
1
1
Quite similar: "backlash" or "blowback".
– Graffito
Jan 20 '16 at 20:56
Quite similar: "backlash" or "blowback".
– Graffito
Jan 20 '16 at 20:56
|
show 1 more comment
George undermined himself by attacking John.
ie, 'mining' under what respect you have, causing your own self to 'fall'.
answered Jan 19 '16 at 11:51
rkchlrkchl
68847
3
that fits it, and it's really formal
– Kyle
Jan 19 '16 at 11:58
Because of the <blank> I thought you were looking for a one word answer...
– rkchl
Jan 19 '16 at 12:03
I'm sorry, I'm looking for any expression that fits it, thanks for bringing a one-word answer + 1
– Kyle
Jan 20 '16 at 10:06
This is the best one-word answer, although others would also fit: "sabotaged himself" "compromised himself" "diminished himself (in the eyes of others)"
– Stephen O'Flynn
Jan 20 '16 at 15:49
add a comment |
George undermined himself by attacking John.
ie, 'mining' under what respect you have, causing your own self to 'fall'.
answered Jan 19 '16 at 11:51
rkchlrkchl
68847
3
that fits it, and it's really formal
– Kyle
Jan 19 '16 at 11:58
Because of the <blank> I thought you were looking for a one word answer...
– rkchl
Jan 19 '16 at 12:03
I'm sorry, I'm looking for any expression that fits it, thanks for bringing a one-word answer + 1
– Kyle
Jan 20 '16 at 10:06
This is the best one-word answer, although others would also fit: "sabotaged himself" "compromised himself" "diminished himself (in the eyes of others)"
– Stephen O'Flynn
Jan 20 '16 at 15:49
add a comment |
George undermined himself by attacking John.
ie, 'mining' under what respect you have, causing your own self to 'fall'.
answered Jan 19 '16 at 11:51
rkchlrkchl
68847
George undermined himself by attacking John.
ie, 'mining' under what respect you have, causing your own self to 'fall'.
answered Jan 19 '16 at 11:51
rkchlrkchl
68847
answered Jan 19 '16 at 11:51
rkchlrkchl
68847
answered Jan 19 '16 at 11:51
rkchlrkchl
68847
answered Jan 19 '16 at 11:51
rkchlrkchl
68847
68847
3
that fits it, and it's really formal
– Kyle
Jan 19 '16 at 11:58
Because of the <blank> I thought you were looking for a one word answer...
– rkchl
Jan 19 '16 at 12:03
I'm sorry, I'm looking for any expression that fits it, thanks for bringing a one-word answer + 1
– Kyle
Jan 20 '16 at 10:06
This is the best one-word answer, although others would also fit: "sabotaged himself" "compromised himself" "diminished himself (in the eyes of others)"
– Stephen O'Flynn
Jan 20 '16 at 15:49
add a comment |
3
that fits it, and it's really formal
– Kyle
Jan 19 '16 at 11:58
Because of the <blank> I thought you were looking for a one word answer...
– rkchl
Jan 19 '16 at 12:03
I'm sorry, I'm looking for any expression that fits it, thanks for bringing a one-word answer + 1
– Kyle
Jan 20 '16 at 10:06
This is the best one-word answer, although others would also fit: "sabotaged himself" "compromised himself" "diminished himself (in the eyes of others)"
– Stephen O'Flynn
Jan 20 '16 at 15:49
3
3
that fits it, and it's really formal
– Kyle
Jan 19 '16 at 11:58
that fits it, and it's really formal
– Kyle
Jan 19 '16 at 11:58
Because of the <blank> I thought you were looking for a one word answer...
– rkchl
Jan 19 '16 at 12:03
Because of the <blank> I thought you were looking for a one word answer...
– rkchl
Jan 19 '16 at 12:03
I'm sorry, I'm looking for any expression that fits it, thanks for bringing a one-word answer + 1
– Kyle
Jan 20 '16 at 10:06
I'm sorry, I'm looking for any expression that fits it, thanks for bringing a one-word answer + 1
– Kyle
Jan 20 '16 at 10:06
This is the best one-word answer, although others would also fit: "sabotaged himself" "compromised himself" "diminished himself (in the eyes of others)"
– Stephen O'Flynn
Jan 20 '16 at 15:49
This is the best one-word answer, although others would also fit: "sabotaged himself" "compromised himself" "diminished himself (in the eyes of others)"
– Stephen O'Flynn
Jan 20 '16 at 15:49
add a comment |
George diminishes himself by attacking John.
answered Jan 19 '16 at 15:52
Mark NortonMark Norton
1012
3
Can you elaborate on this a bit? Any references as to its usage you may have seen somewhere?
– Mohit
Jan 19 '16 at 16:58
2
I've used it myself, and is OK linguistically - probably best to google 'diminish oneself' or 'diminish yourself' and you will get lots of examples.
– Mark Norton
Jan 19 '16 at 17:02
4
Please do as Mark Norton suggests and expand on your answer.
– ab2
Jan 19 '16 at 18:52
add a comment |
George diminishes himself by attacking John.
answered Jan 19 '16 at 15:52
Mark NortonMark Norton
1012
3
Can you elaborate on this a bit? Any references as to its usage you may have seen somewhere?
– Mohit
Jan 19 '16 at 16:58
2
I've used it myself, and is OK linguistically - probably best to google 'diminish oneself' or 'diminish yourself' and you will get lots of examples.
– Mark Norton
Jan 19 '16 at 17:02
4
Please do as Mark Norton suggests and expand on your answer.
– ab2
Jan 19 '16 at 18:52
add a comment |
George diminishes himself by attacking John.
answered Jan 19 '16 at 15:52
Mark NortonMark Norton
1012
George diminishes himself by attacking John.
answered Jan 19 '16 at 15:52
Mark NortonMark Norton
1012
answered Jan 19 '16 at 15:52
Mark NortonMark Norton
1012
answered Jan 19 '16 at 15:52
Mark NortonMark Norton
1012
answered Jan 19 '16 at 15:52
Mark NortonMark Norton
1012
1012
3
Can you elaborate on this a bit? Any references as to its usage you may have seen somewhere?
– Mohit
Jan 19 '16 at 16:58
2
I've used it myself, and is OK linguistically - probably best to google 'diminish oneself' or 'diminish yourself' and you will get lots of examples.
– Mark Norton
Jan 19 '16 at 17:02
4
Please do as Mark Norton suggests and expand on your answer.
– ab2
Jan 19 '16 at 18:52
add a comment |
3
Can you elaborate on this a bit? Any references as to its usage you may have seen somewhere?
– Mohit
Jan 19 '16 at 16:58
2
I've used it myself, and is OK linguistically - probably best to google 'diminish oneself' or 'diminish yourself' and you will get lots of examples.
– Mark Norton
Jan 19 '16 at 17:02
4
Please do as Mark Norton suggests and expand on your answer.
– ab2
Jan 19 '16 at 18:52
3
3
Can you elaborate on this a bit? Any references as to its usage you may have seen somewhere?
– Mohit
Jan 19 '16 at 16:58
Can you elaborate on this a bit? Any references as to its usage you may have seen somewhere?
– Mohit
Jan 19 '16 at 16:58
2
2
I've used it myself, and is OK linguistically - probably best to google 'diminish oneself' or 'diminish yourself' and you will get lots of examples.
– Mark Norton
Jan 19 '16 at 17:02
I've used it myself, and is OK linguistically - probably best to google 'diminish oneself' or 'diminish yourself' and you will get lots of examples.
– Mark Norton
Jan 19 '16 at 17:02
4
4
Please do as Mark Norton suggests and expand on your answer.
– ab2
Jan 19 '16 at 18:52
Please do as Mark Norton suggests and expand on your answer.
– ab2
Jan 19 '16 at 18:52
add a comment |
George scored an own-goal by attacking John.?
answered Jan 19 '16 at 12:05
WS2WS2
52k27115245
3
Most of the world needs no reference for this. Bengals fan by any chance?
– TRomano
Jan 19 '16 at 17:43
1
I've heard it phrased more as scored on his own goal.
– DanTheMan
Jan 19 '16 at 18:06
own-goal is the term of art. stltoday.com/sports/soccer/mls-likes-new-stadium-plans-here/…
– TRomano
Jan 19 '16 at 18:47
2
oh, this answer is too British, just kidding, thanks for the new idiom +1
– Kyle
Jan 20 '16 at 10:08
1
@Mr.Derpinthoughton Well if you want it in French, it is un but contre son camp, in German ein Eigentor schießen, in Italian and Spanish un autogol, and in Brazillian Portuguese gol contra. But the rules are the same everywhere thanks to that noble organisation FIFA!
– WS2
Jan 20 '16 at 17:03
|
show 1 more comment
George scored an own-goal by attacking John.?
answered Jan 19 '16 at 12:05
WS2WS2
52k27115245
3
Most of the world needs no reference for this. Bengals fan by any chance?
– TRomano
Jan 19 '16 at 17:43
1
I've heard it phrased more as scored on his own goal.
– DanTheMan
Jan 19 '16 at 18:06
own-goal is the term of art. stltoday.com/sports/soccer/mls-likes-new-stadium-plans-here/…
– TRomano
Jan 19 '16 at 18:47
2
oh, this answer is too British, just kidding, thanks for the new idiom +1
– Kyle
Jan 20 '16 at 10:08
1
@Mr.Derpinthoughton Well if you want it in French, it is un but contre son camp, in German ein Eigentor schießen, in Italian and Spanish un autogol, and in Brazillian Portuguese gol contra. But the rules are the same everywhere thanks to that noble organisation FIFA!
– WS2
Jan 20 '16 at 17:03
|
show 1 more comment
George scored an own-goal by attacking John.?
answered Jan 19 '16 at 12:05
WS2WS2
52k27115245
George scored an own-goal by attacking John.?
answered Jan 19 '16 at 12:05
WS2WS2
52k27115245
answered Jan 19 '16 at 12:05
WS2WS2
52k27115245
answered Jan 19 '16 at 12:05
WS2WS2
52k27115245
answered Jan 19 '16 at 12:05
WS2WS2
52k27115245
52k27115245
3
Most of the world needs no reference for this. Bengals fan by any chance?
– TRomano
Jan 19 '16 at 17:43
1
I've heard it phrased more as scored on his own goal.
– DanTheMan
Jan 19 '16 at 18:06
own-goal is the term of art. stltoday.com/sports/soccer/mls-likes-new-stadium-plans-here/…
– TRomano
Jan 19 '16 at 18:47
2
oh, this answer is too British, just kidding, thanks for the new idiom +1
– Kyle
Jan 20 '16 at 10:08
1
@Mr.Derpinthoughton Well if you want it in French, it is un but contre son camp, in German ein Eigentor schießen, in Italian and Spanish un autogol, and in Brazillian Portuguese gol contra. But the rules are the same everywhere thanks to that noble organisation FIFA!
– WS2
Jan 20 '16 at 17:03
|
show 1 more comment
3
Most of the world needs no reference for this. Bengals fan by any chance?
– TRomano
Jan 19 '16 at 17:43
1
I've heard it phrased more as scored on his own goal.
– DanTheMan
Jan 19 '16 at 18:06
own-goal is the term of art. stltoday.com/sports/soccer/mls-likes-new-stadium-plans-here/…
– TRomano
Jan 19 '16 at 18:47
2
oh, this answer is too British, just kidding, thanks for the new idiom +1
– Kyle
Jan 20 '16 at 10:08
1
@Mr.Derpinthoughton Well if you want it in French, it is un but contre son camp, in German ein Eigentor schießen, in Italian and Spanish un autogol, and in Brazillian Portuguese gol contra. But the rules are the same everywhere thanks to that noble organisation FIFA!
– WS2
Jan 20 '16 at 17:03
3
3
Most of the world needs no reference for this. Bengals fan by any chance?
– TRomano
Jan 19 '16 at 17:43
Most of the world needs no reference for this. Bengals fan by any chance?
– TRomano
Jan 19 '16 at 17:43
1
1
I've heard it phrased more as scored on his own goal.
– DanTheMan
Jan 19 '16 at 18:06
I've heard it phrased more as scored on his own goal.
– DanTheMan
Jan 19 '16 at 18:06
own-goal is the term of art. stltoday.com/sports/soccer/mls-likes-new-stadium-plans-here/…
– TRomano
Jan 19 '16 at 18:47
own-goal is the term of art. stltoday.com/sports/soccer/mls-likes-new-stadium-plans-here/…
– TRomano
Jan 19 '16 at 18:47
2
2
oh, this answer is too British, just kidding, thanks for the new idiom +1
– Kyle
Jan 20 '16 at 10:08
oh, this answer is too British, just kidding, thanks for the new idiom +1
– Kyle
Jan 20 '16 at 10:08
1
1
@Mr.Derpinthoughton Well if you want it in French, it is un but contre son camp, in German ein Eigentor schießen, in Italian and Spanish un autogol, and in Brazillian Portuguese gol contra. But the rules are the same everywhere thanks to that noble organisation FIFA!
– WS2
Jan 20 '16 at 17:03
@Mr.Derpinthoughton Well if you want it in French, it is un but contre son camp, in German ein Eigentor schießen, in Italian and Spanish un autogol, and in Brazillian Portuguese gol contra. But the rules are the same everywhere thanks to that noble organisation FIFA!
– WS2
Jan 20 '16 at 17:03
|
show 1 more comment
The problem with "slinging mud" or even getting into a "mudfight" with someone is that you'll often end up covered in the same mud. In fact, it's so very likely, that the concept is specifically stated in the definition example...
Casting aspersions with intent to discredit.
The campaign degenerated into mutual mudslinging, each candidate trying to tarnish the other's reputation and looking bad in the
process.
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/mudslinging
answered Jan 19 '16 at 18:08
RichardRichard
2,133822
1
Adlai Stevenson said, "He who slings mud generally loses ground."
– jejorda2
Jan 19 '16 at 19:28
@jejorda2 I like that quote. I've expanded it into a full answer.
– jkdev
Jan 20 '16 at 5:37
add a comment |
The problem with "slinging mud" or even getting into a "mudfight" with someone is that you'll often end up covered in the same mud. In fact, it's so very likely, that the concept is specifically stated in the definition example...
Casting aspersions with intent to discredit.
The campaign degenerated into mutual mudslinging, each candidate trying to tarnish the other's reputation and looking bad in the
process.
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/mudslinging
answered Jan 19 '16 at 18:08
RichardRichard
2,133822
1
Adlai Stevenson said, "He who slings mud generally loses ground."
– jejorda2
Jan 19 '16 at 19:28
@jejorda2 I like that quote. I've expanded it into a full answer.
– jkdev
Jan 20 '16 at 5:37
add a comment |
The problem with "slinging mud" or even getting into a "mudfight" with someone is that you'll often end up covered in the same mud. In fact, it's so very likely, that the concept is specifically stated in the definition example...
Casting aspersions with intent to discredit.
The campaign degenerated into mutual mudslinging, each candidate trying to tarnish the other's reputation and looking bad in the
process.
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/mudslinging
answered Jan 19 '16 at 18:08
RichardRichard
2,133822
The problem with "slinging mud" or even getting into a "mudfight" with someone is that you'll often end up covered in the same mud. In fact, it's so very likely, that the concept is specifically stated in the definition example...
Casting aspersions with intent to discredit.
The campaign degenerated into mutual mudslinging, each candidate trying to tarnish the other's reputation and looking bad in the
process.
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/mudslinging
answered Jan 19 '16 at 18:08
RichardRichard
2,133822
answered Jan 19 '16 at 18:08
RichardRichard
2,133822
answered Jan 19 '16 at 18:08
RichardRichard
2,133822
answered Jan 19 '16 at 18:08
RichardRichard
2,133822
2,133822
1
Adlai Stevenson said, "He who slings mud generally loses ground."
– jejorda2
Jan 19 '16 at 19:28
@jejorda2 I like that quote. I've expanded it into a full answer.
– jkdev
Jan 20 '16 at 5:37
add a comment |
1
Adlai Stevenson said, "He who slings mud generally loses ground."
– jejorda2
Jan 19 '16 at 19:28
@jejorda2 I like that quote. I've expanded it into a full answer.
– jkdev
Jan 20 '16 at 5:37
1
1
Adlai Stevenson said, "He who slings mud generally loses ground."
– jejorda2
Jan 19 '16 at 19:28
Adlai Stevenson said, "He who slings mud generally loses ground."
– jejorda2
Jan 19 '16 at 19:28
@jejorda2 I like that quote. I've expanded it into a full answer.
– jkdev
Jan 20 '16 at 5:37
@jejorda2 I like that quote. I've expanded it into a full answer.
– jkdev
Jan 20 '16 at 5:37
add a comment |
"Debased" : lower the moral character of (someone).
George debased himself by attacking John
answered Jan 20 '16 at 21:05
James FlemingJames Fleming
22914
This is actually the best word for the purpose in question in the English language, as it explicitly conveys that verbally attacking another person makes one own self be considered base or crass, and thus automatically conveys the "George lost people's respect" part.
– user21820
Jan 21 '16 at 10:06
+1 I considered "defamed himself" which is apparently valid, and has a similar meaning, but I think "debased himself" is really what I was looking for (and is more common).
– joeytwiddle
Jan 21 '16 at 18:25
add a comment |
"Debased" : lower the moral character of (someone).
George debased himself by attacking John
answered Jan 20 '16 at 21:05
James FlemingJames Fleming
22914
This is actually the best word for the purpose in question in the English language, as it explicitly conveys that verbally attacking another person makes one own self be considered base or crass, and thus automatically conveys the "George lost people's respect" part.
– user21820
Jan 21 '16 at 10:06
+1 I considered "defamed himself" which is apparently valid, and has a similar meaning, but I think "debased himself" is really what I was looking for (and is more common).
– joeytwiddle
Jan 21 '16 at 18:25
add a comment |
"Debased" : lower the moral character of (someone).
George debased himself by attacking John
answered Jan 20 '16 at 21:05
James FlemingJames Fleming
22914
"Debased" : lower the moral character of (someone).
George debased himself by attacking John
answered Jan 20 '16 at 21:05
James FlemingJames Fleming
22914
answered Jan 20 '16 at 21:05
James FlemingJames Fleming
22914
answered Jan 20 '16 at 21:05
James FlemingJames Fleming
22914
answered Jan 20 '16 at 21:05
James FlemingJames Fleming
22914
22914
This is actually the best word for the purpose in question in the English language, as it explicitly conveys that verbally attacking another person makes one own self be considered base or crass, and thus automatically conveys the "George lost people's respect" part.
– user21820
Jan 21 '16 at 10:06
+1 I considered "defamed himself" which is apparently valid, and has a similar meaning, but I think "debased himself" is really what I was looking for (and is more common).
– joeytwiddle
Jan 21 '16 at 18:25
add a comment |
This is actually the best word for the purpose in question in the English language, as it explicitly conveys that verbally attacking another person makes one own self be considered base or crass, and thus automatically conveys the "George lost people's respect" part.
– user21820
Jan 21 '16 at 10:06
+1 I considered "defamed himself" which is apparently valid, and has a similar meaning, but I think "debased himself" is really what I was looking for (and is more common).
– joeytwiddle
Jan 21 '16 at 18:25
This is actually the best word for the purpose in question in the English language, as it explicitly conveys that verbally attacking another person makes one own self be considered base or crass, and thus automatically conveys the "George lost people's respect" part.
– user21820
Jan 21 '16 at 10:06
This is actually the best word for the purpose in question in the English language, as it explicitly conveys that verbally attacking another person makes one own self be considered base or crass, and thus automatically conveys the "George lost people's respect" part.
– user21820
Jan 21 '16 at 10:06
+1 I considered "defamed himself" which is apparently valid, and has a similar meaning, but I think "debased himself" is really what I was looking for (and is more common).
– joeytwiddle
Jan 21 '16 at 18:25
+1 I considered "defamed himself" which is apparently valid, and has a similar meaning, but I think "debased himself" is really what I was looking for (and is more common).
– joeytwiddle
Jan 21 '16 at 18:25
add a comment |
There's an expression: "Whoever slings mud, loses ground."
It means that when you demean someone else, you demean yourself as well.
"Mudslinging" means insulting or attacking another person in order to harm his reputation or get him metaphorically dirty. "Losing ground" means falling behind in a competition, or being forced to move backwards. And it's also a play on words (mud/ground) -- when you throw something, you lose some of it.
So in this particular context, one might say "George is slinging mud and losing ground."
answered Jan 20 '16 at 5:34
jkdevjkdev
59725
Similar proverbs: *You will reap what you sow". Or more familiar: "You fuck with the bull, you get the horns".
– Graffito
Jan 20 '16 at 21:00
add a comment |
There's an expression: "Whoever slings mud, loses ground."
It means that when you demean someone else, you demean yourself as well.
"Mudslinging" means insulting or attacking another person in order to harm his reputation or get him metaphorically dirty. "Losing ground" means falling behind in a competition, or being forced to move backwards. And it's also a play on words (mud/ground) -- when you throw something, you lose some of it.
So in this particular context, one might say "George is slinging mud and losing ground."
answered Jan 20 '16 at 5:34
jkdevjkdev
59725
Similar proverbs: *You will reap what you sow". Or more familiar: "You fuck with the bull, you get the horns".
– Graffito
Jan 20 '16 at 21:00
add a comment |
There's an expression: "Whoever slings mud, loses ground."
It means that when you demean someone else, you demean yourself as well.
"Mudslinging" means insulting or attacking another person in order to harm his reputation or get him metaphorically dirty. "Losing ground" means falling behind in a competition, or being forced to move backwards. And it's also a play on words (mud/ground) -- when you throw something, you lose some of it.
So in this particular context, one might say "George is slinging mud and losing ground."
answered Jan 20 '16 at 5:34
jkdevjkdev
59725
There's an expression: "Whoever slings mud, loses ground."
It means that when you demean someone else, you demean yourself as well.
"Mudslinging" means insulting or attacking another person in order to harm his reputation or get him metaphorically dirty. "Losing ground" means falling behind in a competition, or being forced to move backwards. And it's also a play on words (mud/ground) -- when you throw something, you lose some of it.
So in this particular context, one might say "George is slinging mud and losing ground."
answered Jan 20 '16 at 5:34
jkdevjkdev
59725
answered Jan 20 '16 at 5:34
jkdevjkdev
59725
answered Jan 20 '16 at 5:34
jkdevjkdev
59725
answered Jan 20 '16 at 5:34
jkdevjkdev
59725
59725
Similar proverbs: *You will reap what you sow". Or more familiar: "You fuck with the bull, you get the horns".
– Graffito
Jan 20 '16 at 21:00
add a comment |
Similar proverbs: *You will reap what you sow". Or more familiar: "You fuck with the bull, you get the horns".
– Graffito
Jan 20 '16 at 21:00
Similar proverbs: *You will reap what you sow". Or more familiar: "You fuck with the bull, you get the horns".
– Graffito
Jan 20 '16 at 21:00
Similar proverbs: *You will reap what you sow". Or more familiar: "You fuck with the bull, you get the horns".
– Graffito
Jan 20 '16 at 21:00
add a comment |
It's a third party opinion. How about simply "George made a fool out of himself by attacking John".
answered Jan 19 '16 at 19:16
ringadingdingringadingding
191
add a comment |
It's a third party opinion. How about simply "George made a fool out of himself by attacking John".
answered Jan 19 '16 at 19:16
ringadingdingringadingding
191
add a comment |
It's a third party opinion. How about simply "George made a fool out of himself by attacking John".
answered Jan 19 '16 at 19:16
ringadingdingringadingding
191
It's a third party opinion. How about simply "George made a fool out of himself by attacking John".
answered Jan 19 '16 at 19:16
ringadingdingringadingding
191
answered Jan 19 '16 at 19:16
ringadingdingringadingding
191
answered Jan 19 '16 at 19:16
ringadingdingringadingding
191
answered Jan 19 '16 at 19:16
ringadingdingringadingding
191
191
add a comment |
add a comment |
If you attack him publicly on this, you'll only be pissing into the
wind.
answered Jan 19 '16 at 12:56
TRomanoTRomano
15.9k21944
3
This implies that the tide has already turned against anyone who would criticize the figure in question. I think the question is looking for a term that implies that the criticism itself will cause the tide to turn against the critic.
– recognizer
Jan 19 '16 at 17:15
Not necessaily. Depends on how it's said. Compare: "If you attack him publicly on this, ..."
– TRomano
Jan 19 '16 at 17:41
2
Regardless, if the metaphorical "wind" is blowing, then an opposing force is there before the critic even opens their mouth.
– recognizer
Jan 19 '16 at 18:11
There's always a wind blowing.
– TRomano
Jan 19 '16 at 18:42
1
Pissing into the wind is applying a feeble force against a substantial force. I don't think this captures the idea of your own actions rebounding against yourself.
– Nigel Touch
Jan 19 '16 at 18:54
|
show 2 more comments
If you attack him publicly on this, you'll only be pissing into the
wind.
answered Jan 19 '16 at 12:56
TRomanoTRomano
15.9k21944
3
This implies that the tide has already turned against anyone who would criticize the figure in question. I think the question is looking for a term that implies that the criticism itself will cause the tide to turn against the critic.
– recognizer
Jan 19 '16 at 17:15
Not necessaily. Depends on how it's said. Compare: "If you attack him publicly on this, ..."
– TRomano
Jan 19 '16 at 17:41
2
Regardless, if the metaphorical "wind" is blowing, then an opposing force is there before the critic even opens their mouth.
– recognizer
Jan 19 '16 at 18:11
There's always a wind blowing.
– TRomano
Jan 19 '16 at 18:42
1
Pissing into the wind is applying a feeble force against a substantial force. I don't think this captures the idea of your own actions rebounding against yourself.
– Nigel Touch
Jan 19 '16 at 18:54
|
show 2 more comments
If you attack him publicly on this, you'll only be pissing into the
wind.
answered Jan 19 '16 at 12:56
TRomanoTRomano
15.9k21944
If you attack him publicly on this, you'll only be pissing into the
wind.
answered Jan 19 '16 at 12:56
TRomanoTRomano
15.9k21944
answered Jan 19 '16 at 12:56
TRomanoTRomano
15.9k21944
answered Jan 19 '16 at 12:56
TRomanoTRomano
15.9k21944
answered Jan 19 '16 at 12:56
TRomanoTRomano
15.9k21944
15.9k21944
3
This implies that the tide has already turned against anyone who would criticize the figure in question. I think the question is looking for a term that implies that the criticism itself will cause the tide to turn against the critic.
– recognizer
Jan 19 '16 at 17:15
Not necessaily. Depends on how it's said. Compare: "If you attack him publicly on this, ..."
– TRomano
Jan 19 '16 at 17:41
2
Regardless, if the metaphorical "wind" is blowing, then an opposing force is there before the critic even opens their mouth.
– recognizer
Jan 19 '16 at 18:11
There's always a wind blowing.
– TRomano
Jan 19 '16 at 18:42
1
Pissing into the wind is applying a feeble force against a substantial force. I don't think this captures the idea of your own actions rebounding against yourself.
– Nigel Touch
Jan 19 '16 at 18:54
|
show 2 more comments
3
This implies that the tide has already turned against anyone who would criticize the figure in question. I think the question is looking for a term that implies that the criticism itself will cause the tide to turn against the critic.
– recognizer
Jan 19 '16 at 17:15
Not necessaily. Depends on how it's said. Compare: "If you attack him publicly on this, ..."
– TRomano
Jan 19 '16 at 17:41
2
Regardless, if the metaphorical "wind" is blowing, then an opposing force is there before the critic even opens their mouth.
– recognizer
Jan 19 '16 at 18:11
There's always a wind blowing.
– TRomano
Jan 19 '16 at 18:42
1
Pissing into the wind is applying a feeble force against a substantial force. I don't think this captures the idea of your own actions rebounding against yourself.
– Nigel Touch
Jan 19 '16 at 18:54
3
3
This implies that the tide has already turned against anyone who would criticize the figure in question. I think the question is looking for a term that implies that the criticism itself will cause the tide to turn against the critic.
– recognizer
Jan 19 '16 at 17:15
This implies that the tide has already turned against anyone who would criticize the figure in question. I think the question is looking for a term that implies that the criticism itself will cause the tide to turn against the critic.
– recognizer
Jan 19 '16 at 17:15
Not necessaily. Depends on how it's said. Compare: "If you attack him publicly on this, ..."
– TRomano
Jan 19 '16 at 17:41
Not necessaily. Depends on how it's said. Compare: "If you attack him publicly on this, ..."
– TRomano
Jan 19 '16 at 17:41
2
2
Regardless, if the metaphorical "wind" is blowing, then an opposing force is there before the critic even opens their mouth.
– recognizer
Jan 19 '16 at 18:11
Regardless, if the metaphorical "wind" is blowing, then an opposing force is there before the critic even opens their mouth.
– recognizer
Jan 19 '16 at 18:11
There's always a wind blowing.
– TRomano
Jan 19 '16 at 18:42
There's always a wind blowing.
– TRomano
Jan 19 '16 at 18:42
1
1
Pissing into the wind is applying a feeble force against a substantial force. I don't think this captures the idea of your own actions rebounding against yourself.
– Nigel Touch
Jan 19 '16 at 18:54
Pissing into the wind is applying a feeble force against a substantial force. I don't think this captures the idea of your own actions rebounding against yourself.
– Nigel Touch
Jan 19 '16 at 18:54
|
show 2 more comments
George was digging his own grave by attacking John.
answered Jan 20 '16 at 15:49
Alexander TorstlingAlexander Torstling
991
add a comment |
George was digging his own grave by attacking John.
answered Jan 20 '16 at 15:49
Alexander TorstlingAlexander Torstling
991
add a comment |
George was digging his own grave by attacking John.
answered Jan 20 '16 at 15:49
Alexander TorstlingAlexander Torstling
991
George was digging his own grave by attacking John.
answered Jan 20 '16 at 15:49
Alexander TorstlingAlexander Torstling
991
answered Jan 20 '16 at 15:49
Alexander TorstlingAlexander Torstling
991
answered Jan 20 '16 at 15:49
Alexander TorstlingAlexander Torstling
991
answered Jan 20 '16 at 15:49
Alexander TorstlingAlexander Torstling
991
991
add a comment |
add a comment |
George is cutting off his nose to spite his face by attacking John.
"Cutting off the nose to spite the face" is an expression used to describe a needlessly self-destructive over-reaction to a problem: "Don't cut off your nose to spite your face" is a warning against acting out of pique, or against pursuing revenge in a way that would damage oneself more than the object of one's anger.
answered Jan 21 '16 at 17:17
Kevin WorkmanKevin Workman
11k12237
add a comment |
George is cutting off his nose to spite his face by attacking John.
"Cutting off the nose to spite the face" is an expression used to describe a needlessly self-destructive over-reaction to a problem: "Don't cut off your nose to spite your face" is a warning against acting out of pique, or against pursuing revenge in a way that would damage oneself more than the object of one's anger.
answered Jan 21 '16 at 17:17
Kevin WorkmanKevin Workman
11k12237
add a comment |
George is cutting off his nose to spite his face by attacking John.
"Cutting off the nose to spite the face" is an expression used to describe a needlessly self-destructive over-reaction to a problem: "Don't cut off your nose to spite your face" is a warning against acting out of pique, or against pursuing revenge in a way that would damage oneself more than the object of one's anger.
answered Jan 21 '16 at 17:17
Kevin WorkmanKevin Workman
11k12237
George is cutting off his nose to spite his face by attacking John.
"Cutting off the nose to spite the face" is an expression used to describe a needlessly self-destructive over-reaction to a problem: "Don't cut off your nose to spite your face" is a warning against acting out of pique, or against pursuing revenge in a way that would damage oneself more than the object of one's anger.
answered Jan 21 '16 at 17:17
Kevin WorkmanKevin Workman
11k12237
answered Jan 21 '16 at 17:17
Kevin WorkmanKevin Workman
11k12237
answered Jan 21 '16 at 17:17
Kevin WorkmanKevin Workman
11k12237
answered Jan 21 '16 at 17:17
Kevin WorkmanKevin Workman
11k12237
11k12237
add a comment |
add a comment |
Degrades
Know this is old post, but just in case someone else stumbles on this like I did...degrades seems to fit very well.
answered 18 mins ago
Mitch MMitch M
1
New contributor
Mitch M is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
Degrades
Know this is old post, but just in case someone else stumbles on this like I did...degrades seems to fit very well.
answered 18 mins ago
Mitch MMitch M
1
New contributor
Mitch M is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
Degrades
Know this is old post, but just in case someone else stumbles on this like I did...degrades seems to fit very well.
answered 18 mins ago
Mitch MMitch M
1
New contributor
Mitch M is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Degrades
Know this is old post, but just in case someone else stumbles on this like I did...degrades seems to fit very well.
answered 18 mins ago
Mitch MMitch M
1
New contributor
Mitch M is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 18 mins ago
Mitch MMitch M
1
New contributor
Mitch M is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 18 mins ago
Mitch MMitch M
1
answered 18 mins ago
Mitch MMitch M
1
1
New contributor
Mitch M is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Mitch M is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Mitch M is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
add a comment |
"Dishonored", "Defamed" and "Disgraced" all mean the same thing. Take your pick.
edited Jan 20 '16 at 18:16
GoldenGremlin
16.8k33966
answered Jan 20 '16 at 16:47
Darrell KitchenDarrell Kitchen
1
Thanks for your suggestion, but I'm looking for idioms "What is it called when you defame someone...""
– Kyle
Jan 20 '16 at 16:50
add a comment |
"Dishonored", "Defamed" and "Disgraced" all mean the same thing. Take your pick.
edited Jan 20 '16 at 18:16
GoldenGremlin
16.8k33966
answered Jan 20 '16 at 16:47
Darrell KitchenDarrell Kitchen
1
Thanks for your suggestion, but I'm looking for idioms "What is it called when you defame someone...""
– Kyle
Jan 20 '16 at 16:50
add a comment |
"Dishonored", "Defamed" and "Disgraced" all mean the same thing. Take your pick.
edited Jan 20 '16 at 18:16
GoldenGremlin
16.8k33966
answered Jan 20 '16 at 16:47
Darrell KitchenDarrell Kitchen
1
"Dishonored", "Defamed" and "Disgraced" all mean the same thing. Take your pick.
edited Jan 20 '16 at 18:16
GoldenGremlin
16.8k33966
answered Jan 20 '16 at 16:47
Darrell KitchenDarrell Kitchen
1
edited Jan 20 '16 at 18:16
GoldenGremlin
16.8k33966
edited Jan 20 '16 at 18:16
GoldenGremlin
16.8k33966
edited Jan 20 '16 at 18:16
GoldenGremlin
16.8k33966
16.8k33966
answered Jan 20 '16 at 16:47
Darrell KitchenDarrell Kitchen
1
answered Jan 20 '16 at 16:47
Darrell KitchenDarrell Kitchen
1
answered Jan 20 '16 at 16:47
Darrell KitchenDarrell Kitchen
1
1
Thanks for your suggestion, but I'm looking for idioms "What is it called when you defame someone...""
– Kyle
Jan 20 '16 at 16:50
add a comment |
Thanks for your suggestion, but I'm looking for idioms "What is it called when you defame someone...""
– Kyle
Jan 20 '16 at 16:50
Thanks for your suggestion, but I'm looking for idioms "What is it called when you defame someone...""
– Kyle
Jan 20 '16 at 16:50
Thanks for your suggestion, but I'm looking for idioms "What is it called when you defame someone...""
– Kyle
Jan 20 '16 at 16:50
add a comment |
Petard
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petard
George made a petard of himself by attacking John.
answered Jan 20 '16 at 21:35
SamSam
1
1
Um, I think you mean that he hoisted himself with his own petard, not that he made himself a into petard.
– cobaltduck
Jan 20 '16 at 21:43
"" "hoist with one's own petard", meaning: "to be harmed by one's own plan to harm someone else" "" made a petard of himself not made into a petard.
– Sam
Jan 20 '16 at 21:53
1
@Sam The one who is hoist with his own petard is the bomb maker. The petard is merely a bomb. Never the same thing.
– David K
Jan 21 '16 at 7:23
@cobaltduck and David K: You two can word it however, you two choose to word it. He asked for an idiom, I gave him an idiom “petard” with a link to the full idiom. I used the word in the sentence as he asked. I do not know how to fit the idiom into “George "hoist with one's own petard" himself by attacking John”, so I changed it to make it fit. Yet it still fits all the other requirements he asked for. I do not understand what your twos problems are!!!
– Sam
Jan 22 '16 at 19:32
add a comment |
Petard
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petard
George made a petard of himself by attacking John.
answered Jan 20 '16 at 21:35
SamSam
1
1
Um, I think you mean that he hoisted himself with his own petard, not that he made himself a into petard.
– cobaltduck
Jan 20 '16 at 21:43
"" "hoist with one's own petard", meaning: "to be harmed by one's own plan to harm someone else" "" made a petard of himself not made into a petard.
– Sam
Jan 20 '16 at 21:53
1
@Sam The one who is hoist with his own petard is the bomb maker. The petard is merely a bomb. Never the same thing.
– David K
Jan 21 '16 at 7:23
@cobaltduck and David K: You two can word it however, you two choose to word it. He asked for an idiom, I gave him an idiom “petard” with a link to the full idiom. I used the word in the sentence as he asked. I do not know how to fit the idiom into “George "hoist with one's own petard" himself by attacking John”, so I changed it to make it fit. Yet it still fits all the other requirements he asked for. I do not understand what your twos problems are!!!
– Sam
Jan 22 '16 at 19:32
add a comment |
Petard
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petard
George made a petard of himself by attacking John.
answered Jan 20 '16 at 21:35
SamSam
1
Petard
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petard
George made a petard of himself by attacking John.
answered Jan 20 '16 at 21:35
SamSam
1
answered Jan 20 '16 at 21:35
SamSam
1
answered Jan 20 '16 at 21:35
SamSam
1
answered Jan 20 '16 at 21:35
SamSam
1
1
1
Um, I think you mean that he hoisted himself with his own petard, not that he made himself a into petard.
– cobaltduck
Jan 20 '16 at 21:43
"" "hoist with one's own petard", meaning: "to be harmed by one's own plan to harm someone else" "" made a petard of himself not made into a petard.
– Sam
Jan 20 '16 at 21:53
1
@Sam The one who is hoist with his own petard is the bomb maker. The petard is merely a bomb. Never the same thing.
– David K
Jan 21 '16 at 7:23
@cobaltduck and David K: You two can word it however, you two choose to word it. He asked for an idiom, I gave him an idiom “petard” with a link to the full idiom. I used the word in the sentence as he asked. I do not know how to fit the idiom into “George "hoist with one's own petard" himself by attacking John”, so I changed it to make it fit. Yet it still fits all the other requirements he asked for. I do not understand what your twos problems are!!!
– Sam
Jan 22 '16 at 19:32
add a comment |
1
Um, I think you mean that he hoisted himself with his own petard, not that he made himself a into petard.
– cobaltduck
Jan 20 '16 at 21:43
"" "hoist with one's own petard", meaning: "to be harmed by one's own plan to harm someone else" "" made a petard of himself not made into a petard.
– Sam
Jan 20 '16 at 21:53
1
@Sam The one who is hoist with his own petard is the bomb maker. The petard is merely a bomb. Never the same thing.
– David K
Jan 21 '16 at 7:23
@cobaltduck and David K: You two can word it however, you two choose to word it. He asked for an idiom, I gave him an idiom “petard” with a link to the full idiom. I used the word in the sentence as he asked. I do not know how to fit the idiom into “George "hoist with one's own petard" himself by attacking John”, so I changed it to make it fit. Yet it still fits all the other requirements he asked for. I do not understand what your twos problems are!!!
– Sam
Jan 22 '16 at 19:32
1
1
Um, I think you mean that he hoisted himself with his own petard, not that he made himself a into petard.
– cobaltduck
Jan 20 '16 at 21:43
Um, I think you mean that he hoisted himself with his own petard, not that he made himself a into petard.
– cobaltduck
Jan 20 '16 at 21:43
"" "hoist with one's own petard", meaning: "to be harmed by one's own plan to harm someone else" "" made a petard of himself not made into a petard.
– Sam
Jan 20 '16 at 21:53
"" "hoist with one's own petard", meaning: "to be harmed by one's own plan to harm someone else" "" made a petard of himself not made into a petard.
– Sam
Jan 20 '16 at 21:53
1
1
@Sam The one who is hoist with his own petard is the bomb maker. The petard is merely a bomb. Never the same thing.
– David K
Jan 21 '16 at 7:23
@Sam The one who is hoist with his own petard is the bomb maker. The petard is merely a bomb. Never the same thing.
– David K
Jan 21 '16 at 7:23
@cobaltduck and David K: You two can word it however, you two choose to word it. He asked for an idiom, I gave him an idiom “petard” with a link to the full idiom. I used the word in the sentence as he asked. I do not know how to fit the idiom into “George "hoist with one's own petard" himself by attacking John”, so I changed it to make it fit. Yet it still fits all the other requirements he asked for. I do not understand what your twos problems are!!!
– Sam
Jan 22 '16 at 19:32
@cobaltduck and David K: You two can word it however, you two choose to word it. He asked for an idiom, I gave him an idiom “petard” with a link to the full idiom. I used the word in the sentence as he asked. I do not know how to fit the idiom into “George "hoist with one's own petard" himself by attacking John”, so I changed it to make it fit. Yet it still fits all the other requirements he asked for. I do not understand what your twos problems are!!!
– Sam
Jan 22 '16 at 19:32
add a comment |
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A neat saying which encapsulates the phenomenon you describe is, "What goes around comes around."
– rhetorician
Jan 19 '16 at 16:15
"Backsplatter".
– Hot Licks
Jan 19 '16 at 19:16
1
As a fill-in-the-blank word, hurt works quite well in the example sentence you provide. More emphatically, only hurt might convey the intended sense.
– Sven Yargs
Jan 19 '16 at 21:44
could be called a "blowback", but I don't know how to phrase it around your example.
– njzk2
Jan 20 '16 at 19:03
1
This question reminded me of en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streisand_effect
– Ryan
Jan 21 '16 at 4:06