Literally, the phrase means a bomb-maker was blown off the ground (hoist) by his own bomb (petard). It commonly refers to an ironic …

Shakespeare 's phrase "hoist with his own petard", meaning that one could be lifted (blown) upward by one's own bomb, has become …

If someone is hoist by their own petard or is hoist with their own petard, something they do to get an advantage or to harm someone …

Jul 17, 2020 · In this week’s Dispatches from The Secret Library, Dr Oliver Tearle explores the meaning and origins of a famous …

The phrase's meaning is that a bomb-maker is blown up ("hoist", the past tense of "hoise") off the ground by his own bomb …

Jun 1, 2025 · “H oisted by his own petard ” is a phrase that originates in Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, spoken by Hamlet in Act 3, …

Apr 27, 2026 · The phrase “Hoist with his own petard” originates from William Shakespeare’s tragedy Hamlet, specifically Act 3, …

May 12, 2026 · “Hoist with your own petard” began as a literal military image and now means being harmed by your own plan or tactic.

In this soliloquy, the protagonist Prince Hamlet reflects on a scheme by his uncle Claudius and Polonius to spy on him, declaring: …

Mar 17, 2026 · The phrase comes from William Shakespeare's Hamlet: "For 'tis the sport to have the enginer / Hoist with his own …