step on a rake
The phrase 'step on a rake' originates from the literal act of stepping on a garden rake, causing its handle to rise and hit the person, and is often used idiomatically to describe encountering unexpected problems due to one's actions.
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Definition
B2Gardening
(literal)To step on the tines of a garden rake, causing the handle to rise and strike the person.
Example
- He accidentally stepped on a rake, and the handle hit him in the face.
C1General
(idiomatic, informal)To encounter an unexpected problem or setback due to one's own actions.
Example
- He really stepped on a rake when he forgot to submit the report on time.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "step on a rake":