Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word
rod for one's back. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
rod for one's back, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
rod for one's back in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
rod for one's back you have here. The definition of the word
rod for one's back will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
rod for one's back, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Pronunciation
Noun
(a) rod for one's back
- (idiomatic) The means of one's own punishment or downfall.
1866 Sept, Henry Kingsley, “Silcote of Silcotes”, in MacMillan's Magazine, volume 14, page 324:"Silcote, you are making a rod for your back in your treatment of that child. She'll live to break your heart for you."
1997 October 4, John Williams, “Blair Maps Out Party's Long March”, in The Mirror, UK:Nobody is more wary of Tony Blair's record ratings and the illusion of the Prime Minister's omnipotence than Tony Blair himself. "He thinks his approval ratings are a rod for his back," says one adviser.
2009 February 2, Dita De Boni, “Keeping Mum: Sparing the Rod?”, in New Zealand Herald:I can't get over how you parents let your children run riot over you. There must be some discipline in this surely, otherwise you will make a rod for your back when they get older.
Usage notes
See also