Choose the correct meaning of the idiom given below:
"Hoist with one's own petard"
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Correct Answer
Be hurt by one's own scheme
Explanation
To understand the meaning of the idiom "Hoist with one's own petard," it helps to look at its literal and historical origin:
Literal Meaning: A petard was a small bomb or explosive device used in medieval warfare to blow open gates or walls. The word hoist in this context means lifted, thrown, or blown into the air. Literally, it describes a bomb-maker being blown up by their own explosive.
Idiomatic Meaning: Today, the phrase is used metaphorically to describe a situation where someone is caught, harmed, or ruined by the very trap, trick, or scheme they designed to use against someone else.
Key Points
Origin: Famously popularized by William Shakespeare in his play Hamlet ("For 'tis the sport to have the engineer / Hoist with his own petar...").
Exam Shortcut: Think of it as the literary version of "karma" or "what goes around comes around." Whenever you see this idiom, look for an option that involves a person's own plan backfiring on them.