The phrase "hoist one with his own petard" means to be harmed by one's own plan. The word "petard" is pronounced /pɪˈtɑrd/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with emphasis on the second syllable. The word comes from French and has a silent final "d". In Shakespeare's play "Hamlet", the character uses this phrase to describe how his enemies were caught in their own trap. This phrase is still used today in modern English to describe a similar situation where someone's plan backfires on them.
The phrase "hoist one with his own petard" is an idiom commonly used in English language, derived from William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet." It refers to a situation in which someone's own plans or actions backfire on them, causing the person to suffer the consequences intended for another.
In its most basic interpretation, the word "hoist" means to raise or lift something using a mechanical device. A petard, on the other hand, is an explosive device used for breaching walls or gates during warfare. Together, the phrase suggests the idea of someone being blown up or harmed by their own explosive device.
Metaphorically, "hoist one with his own petard" signifies the irony of individuals being caught in their own traps or schemes. It implies that their actions, which were meant to harm someone else or achieve a particular objective, end up hurting themselves instead. This idiom often implies poetic justice or karma, highlighting the consequences of one's own actions.
The phrase is frequently used in informal conversations, literature, and other forms of media. It serves as a cautionary reminder that one should be careful about their intentions and actions, as they may ultimately be the ones to face the negative repercussions.