hoisted by your own petard

dangermouse | 18:09 Sun 01st Sep 2002 | Phrases & Sayings

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can anyone tell me the origins of the phrase 'hoisted by your own petard'

birds

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Well, according to my disctionary a petard is an archaic term for a bomb, so a modern version would be something like blown up by your own Semtex.

Indeed, as John says. You'll find a fuller explanation at http://www.randomhouse.com/wotd/index.pperl?date=1
9960808

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Used, if not coined, by Shakespeare in "Hamlet"

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