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HSK 7-9
jiùblameyóufromselftake
To have only oneself to blame; to stew in one's own juice.

Literal meaning

blame (咎) — from (由) — self (自) — take (取)

Origin

A classical four-character phrase meaning that one's misfortune is the result of one's own actions.

Examples

jīntiāndexiàchǎngwánquánshìjiùyóuguàibudebiérén
His current situation is entirely his own fault; he can't blame anyone else.
guǒtīngquàngàoxíngjiāngláishībàileshìjiùyóu
If you don't listen to advice and insist on having your own way, you will have only yourself to blame if you fail in the future.

Usage & nuances

Has a strong negative connotation, implying responsibility for one's own misfortune.

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