Beat yourself up Meaning and Definition
Beat yourself up
Pronunciation
/bēt ˈjawr ˌyʊp/
Part of Speech
Idiomatic expression
Definition
To criticize oneself unfairly or excessively, often to an irrational or absurd degree, usually resulting in feelings of guilt, shame, or self-reproach.
Examples
- After making a minor mistake, Sarah beat herself up over it for hours.
- He’s been beating himself up about the breakup for weeks.
Synonyms
- Self-flagellate
- Self-criticize
Antonyms
- Self-justify
- Exonerate
Etymology
The phrase “beat yourself up” is thought to have originated in the early 20th century, possibly from the idea of physically beating oneself, or the idea of emotionally beating oneself up with self-criticism.
Usage Notes
The phrase is often used to describe a person’s negative self-talk or excessive self-criticism, and is commonly associated with feelings of guilt, shame, or anxiety.
Cultural References
The phrase has been referenced in various forms of popular culture, including songs, literature, and television shows.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Kick yourself
- Beat a dead horse
Related Words or Phrases
- Self-blame
- Self-doubt
Collocations
The phrase is often used in conjunction with other words or phrases that convey a sense of negative self-talk or self-criticism, such as “beating oneself up over a minor mistake” or “beating oneself up about a past decision”.
Frequency of Use
The phrase is relatively common in modern language, particularly in informal or conversational contexts.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings include “Beat your self up”, “Beat yoself up”, “Beet your self up”, etc.