be self-defeating

[/bi sɛlf dɪˈfiːtɪŋ/]

verb phrase

ser contraproducente

1. to have the opposite effect of what was intended; to undermine one's own purpose or goals

Refusing to ask for help is self-defeating when you need support to succeed.

Recusar ajuda é contraproducente quando você precisa de apoio para ter sucesso.

2. to act in a way that prevents the achievement of one's own objectives

His aggressive approach to negotiations proved to be self-defeating.

Sua abordagem agressiva nas negociações provou ser contraproducente.

NYC Slang

shoot yourself in the foot

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

ser contraproducente

Most common usage across Brazil

São Paulo

ser improdutivo

Alternative usage meaning unproductive

Rio de Janeiro

ser contraproducente

Standard usage, same as general Brazilian

Portugal

ser contraproducente

Common in European Portuguese; may also use 'prejudicar a si próprio'

cut off one's nose to spite one's face

shoot oneself in the foot

get in one's own way

be one's own worst enemy

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