zì自jué掘fén坟mù墓
To bring about one's own downfall or ruin through one's own actions; to engage in self-destructive behavior.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Three Kingdoms period, Liu Bei, the ruler of Shu, was preparing to launch an expedition against Eastern Wu. Before starting, he sent for Yi Qi to divine the omens.
When Yi Qi arrived, Liu Bei received him very courteously and explained his intentions. Yi Qi did not speak; he merely drew many soldiers and horses on a white paper, then tore each one to pieces. Afterwards, he drew a grown man, dug a hole in the ground, and buried him.
Later, Liu Bei's eastern expedition ended in complete failure.