諺/熟語 for "paint oneself into a corner"


I am trying to find an idiom that describes someone setting hurdles for
themself or putting themself in a more difficult position every step of the
way, eventually trapping oneself or forcing one's back against the wall. The
English phrase I have in mind is "paint oneself into a corner", as in:

> If you keep doing that, you are just going to paint yourself into a corner.

What would be an apt Japanese phrase for this? I've thought of 自縄自縛 and 墓穴を掘る.
I think 墓穴を掘る is probably closer to what I am reaching for, but are there
better ones out there?




I think (自分で)自分の首を締める is the closest and safest. It does convey the meaning of
"setting hurdles for themself or putting themself in a more difficult
position". 自縄自縛 is also usable, but it's a relatively difficult 四字熟語 that is
used mainly in serious essays and literary works.

墓穴を掘る is not wrong but it doesn't necessarily have the above-mentioned nuance;
it's more commonly used to describe a one-time "backfiring" mistake.

