The author of your own misfortune

Meaning

Be to blame for one’s own problems.

Examples

Tommy just took off across the moors with no gear and no phone. He ended up in hospital but no one is too sorry for him – he was the author of his own misfortune.

Where is it used?

Worldwide, but rather old-fashioned.

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About the Author

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

The author of your own misfortune