its own shit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "its own shit" is correct and usable in written English, though it is informal and may be considered vulgar.
You can use it to refer to something that is self-contained or self-referential, often in a critical or dismissive context. Example: "The company needs to focus on its own shit before trying to expand into new markets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It's rather like being a baby playing with its own shit, as it were.

The Guardian - Film

At a Paris summit a fortnight before, Merkel declared: "It's up to each country to clean up its own shit".

The Guardian

"The world is full to brimming with its own shit.

The Economist

I blame you, Corbyn, for quietly hiding your dimness under principle like a cat burying its own shit.

The Guardian

It had to do with a fractured society, ridden with post-colonial guilt and neuroses, which had desperately wanted to believe in the 1998 black-blanc-beur utopia, and was now forced to smell its own shit.

The Guardian - Sport

No natural light, 34,000 birds in one shed, a tide of chicken wading around in its own shit (soaked up by the sawdust, admittedly), then sent to the gas chamber – more poultrycide than countryside.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

For years, he has kept open a savage wound in his leg; sometimes he puts his own shit into it.

The Guardian

No need to take it outside because he's made of his own shit.

Vice

Then she thought about it, scrunched her face up, and replied, "He believes his own shit.

The New Yorker

In his own shit.

The Guardian - Music

When he was a puppy, Rocky used to eat his own shit.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "its own shit", be aware of your audience and the context. This phrase is informal and can be considered vulgar, so it's best reserved for casual settings or when emphasizing a point with strong language.

Common error

Avoid using "its own shit" in professional or academic writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "its own responsibilities" or "its own problems" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "its own shit" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a direct object or object of a preposition. It refers to something belonging to or caused by the entity in question, often problems or responsibilities. Ludwig AI validates the use of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "its own shit" is an informal noun phrase that can be used to emphasize one's responsibilities. Ludwig AI considers this phrase grammatically correct although vulgar. While it appears in diverse contexts, including news and media, it is crucial to understand its informal register and use it carefully. For formal writing, consider more professional alternatives like "its own responsibilities" or "its own problems". Being aware of the audience is critical to ensure that "its own shit" is well received and not taken offensively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clean up one's own mess

Stresses the need to rectify a situation one has created.

take responsibility for one's actions

Emphasizes accountability and accepting consequences for one's behavior.

handle one's own affairs

Focuses on managing personal matters independently.

sort out one's own problems

Highlights the need to resolve personal issues without external help.

face the music

Implies accepting the negative consequences of one's actions.

manage one's own business

Directs attention to focusing on personal responsibilities and concerns.

deal with the fallout

Refers to managing the repercussions of a decision or event.

stew in one's own juice

Suggests being left to suffer the consequences of one's actions.

reap what one sows

Highlights the concept of receiving the results of one's efforts or actions.

lie in the bed one has made

Implies accepting the situation one has created for oneself.

FAQs

How can I use "its own shit" in a sentence?

You can use "its own shit" to emphasize that someone needs to deal with their own problems or take responsibility for their actions. For example, "The company needs to focus on "its own shit" before trying to expand."

What are some less vulgar alternatives to "its own shit"?

Consider using phrases like "its own responsibilities", "its own problems", or "its own affairs" as more polite alternatives.

Is it appropriate to use "its own shit" in formal writing?

No, "its own shit" is generally not appropriate for formal writing due to its informal and potentially offensive nature. Opt for more professional language.

What does it mean when someone says "get your own shit together"?

The phrase "get your own shit together" means to take control of your life, manage your responsibilities effectively, and resolve your personal issues. It's a direct way of telling someone to become more organized and responsible.