自掘坟墓 (zì jué fénmù - dig one's own grave)
Grammar & Usage
How it works
This is a four-character idiom (成语, chéngyǔ). It metaphorically describes actions or policies that lead to one's own downfall or destruction, much like someone digging their own burial site. It functions similarly to a verb phrase in a sentence.
Sample sentences
他的贪婪最终让他自掘坟墓。
His greed ultimately led him to dig his own grave.
那些不顾环境的开发行为，无疑是在自掘坟墓。
Those development activities that disregard the environment are undoubtedly digging their own grave.
如果你继续这样下去，就是在自掘坟墓。
If you continue like this, you are digging your own grave.
Quick facts
Mnemonic
Sign in for a creative sound-alike story that makes "自掘坟墓 (zì jué fénmù - dig one's own grave)" unforgettable 🧠
Get an AI-generated memory hook for 自掘坟墓 (zì jué fénmù - dig one's own grave) — a vivid scene that locks the word in your brain 🧠
Example
他的贪婪最终让他自掘坟墓。
His greed ultimately led him to dig his own grave.
那些不顾环境的开发行为，无疑是在自掘坟墓。
Those development activities that disregard the environment are undoubtedly digging their own grave.
Sign in for AI-generated examples tailored to your level ✨