Meaning
To cause one's own problems.
Cultural Background
In Danish media, this phrase is used almost daily to describe political parties that make unpopular decisions. It reflects a culture that loves to analyze 'the game' of politics. Danish business culture is flat and values consensus. Shooting yourself in the foot often means breaking that consensus or acting too aggressively without support. Danes value 'hygge' and social harmony. Bringing up controversial topics at a dinner party is seen as shooting yourself in the foot socially.
Reflexive Check
Always match the pronoun to the person. If it's 'vi' (we), use 'os selv'.
Don't use 'min'
Avoid saying 'min fod'. It sounds like you are translating directly from English. Use 'foden'.
Meaning
To cause one's own problems.
Reflexive Check
Always match the pronoun to the person. If it's 'vi' (we), use 'os selv'.
Don't use 'min'
Avoid saying 'min fod'. It sounds like you are translating directly from English. Use 'foden'.
Political Context
If you want to sound like a native political commentator, use this phrase when a party loses voters due to a scandal.
Irony
Danes often use this with a bit of dry humor. Don't be afraid to use it about your own small mistakes.
Test Yourself
Udfyld det manglende ord i sætningen.
Han skød ___ selv i foden ved at lyve.
Når subjektet er 'han', skal man bruge det refleksive pronomen 'sig'.
Hvilken sætning er korrekt?
Vælg den rigtige form af verbet.
Kort tillægsform af 'at skyde' er 'skudt'.
Match situationen med betydningen.
Mads glemte at tage sin computer med til eksamen.
Mads lavede en fejl, der ødelagde hans egne chancer.
Hvad ville være det mest naturlige svar?
A: 'Jeg sagde nej til jobbet, fordi jeg ville have mere i løn, men nu har de ansat en anden.' B: '___'
A har lavet en taktisk fejl, der kostede dem jobbet.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHan skød ___ selv i foden ved at lyve.
Når subjektet er 'han', skal man bruge det refleksive pronomen 'sig'.
Vælg den rigtige form af verbet.
Kort tillægsform af 'at skyde' er 'skudt'.
Mads glemte at tage sin computer med til eksamen.
Mads lavede en fejl, der ødelagde hans egne chancer.
A: 'Jeg sagde nej til jobbet, fordi jeg ville have mere i løn, men nu har de ansat en anden.' B: '___'
A har lavet en taktisk fejl, der kostede dem jobbet.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your grandmother.
No, the idiom is fixed to 'foden'. You can't shoot yourself in the hand or leg metaphorically.
It can be used for both small social blunders and major life/career errors.
The past tense is 'skød'. For example: 'Han skød sig selv i foden i går.'
No, you must use 'sig selv' when the subject is 'han'.
Yes, it is very common in newspaper editorials and business reports.
Not exactly. It specifically means failing because of your *own* mistake.
Yes, you can say 'De skyder sig selv i foden.'
Sometimes people just say 'Det var et skud i foden' (That was a shot in the foot).
It's tricky! Focus on the soft 'd' at the end. It sounds like a very soft 'th'.
Related Phrases
at spænde ben for sig selv
synonymTo trip oneself up.
at skyde papegøjen
contrastTo hit the jackpot / be very lucky.
at bide sig selv i halen
similarTo bite one's own tail.
at save den gren over, man selv sidder på
similarTo saw off the branch you're sitting on.
