PhraseNinja

Yojijukugo

Japanese meaning of 自縄自縛

Reading:

じじょうじばく (jijou jibaku)

English Translation:

Being caught in one’s own trap; self-imposed bind

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:

To be caught in one’s own trap or bind; self-imposed constraints.
日本語で読む
自分で自分を縛ってしまうこと。

Cultural Context:

Used both literally and metaphorically, often in contexts of overcomplication or excessive rules.
日本語で読む
文字通りにも比喩的にも使われ、過度な規則や複雑化の中で自ら身動きを取れなくする場面に用いられる。

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

• Verb phrase with “に陥る” or “になる” to describe becoming trapped by one’s own rules or constraints (“自縄自縛に陥る”).<br>• Also used as “の状態” to describe a self-imposed bind.
日本語で読む
• 自分で作った規則や制約で身動きが取れなくなることを表す「〜に陥る」「〜になる」（例：「自縄自縛に陥る」）。<br>• 「〜の状態」で自己束縛の様子を描写することもある。

Trap for English Speakers

Might be visualized literally as rope, but it is primarily metaphorical for self-created problems.
日本語で読む
縄で縛る字義通りの意味ではなく、自ら招いた問題や制約の比喩である点に注意。

Example

Example 1Basic Example

  1. 細かすぎるルールで自縄自縛になっている。

    We’re trapped by our own overly strict rules.

Example 2Applied Example

  1. 自分の発言に縛られ、自縄自縛に陥った。

    He was bound by his own words, caught in a trap of his own making.

Quick check

Meaning

What does 「自縄自縛」 mean?

More questions: Yojijukugo quiz →