In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, an engineer is imagined being blown up by his own petard, a small explosive device.
In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, an engineer is imagined being blown up by his own petard, a small explosive device.
What does hoist with one's own petard mean?
To be hoist with one's own petard is to be hurt by a scheme intended to hurt someone else.
When is hoist with one's own petard used?
It is used when a trap, rule, or accusation turns against the person who devised it.
How does hoist with one's own petard differ from backfire?
Backfire is broad. Hoist with one's own petard specifically suggests that the maker of a harmful scheme becomes its victim.
How is hoist with one's own petard used in a sentence?
The candidate was hoist with his own petard when his attack ad exposed his own conduct.
Is hoist with one's own petard formal?
It is a literary, somewhat old-fashioned idiom still used in commentary.