saw off the branch one is sitting on

verb1

•
To pursue a course of action that will lead to self-destruction.
- Since the theory of action must necessarily start with the actors, then the actors who saw off the branch on which they sit cannot give their action any meaning. — 2012

forms

sawed off the branch one was sitting on · sawn off the branch one was sitting on · sawing off the branch one is sitting on · saws off the branch one is sitting on