Paint into a corner Meaning in English
expression
释义
To get yourself into a situation where you have very limited options or no easy way out, often because of your own actions or decisions.
用法与细微差别
This is an idiomatic expression, mostly used figuratively for situations (not literally painting). Often used with 'yourself' ('paint yourself into a corner'). Not usually formal; common in spoken and informal writing. Implies the problem was avoidable.
例句
He painted himself into a corner by promising to finish the project alone.
basic
If you spend all your money now, you might paint yourself into a corner later.
basic
She painted herself into a corner with her strict rules.
basic
We really painted ourselves into a corner by not starting earlier.
natural
Don't paint yourself into a corner by making promises you can't keep.
natural
They painted themselves into a corner during the negotiation and had to accept a bad deal.
natural