expression, ichidan verb
the crafty schemer drowns in his own scheme; craft brings nothing home
Proverb warning that over-reliance on cunning plans can backfire. Often used to caution against excessive scheming.
策士策に溺れるというから、あまり小細工を弄さないほうがいい。
They say the crafty schemer drowns in his own scheme, so you'd better not resort to too many tricks.
彼はいつも裏をかこうとするが、策士策に溺れることになりかねない。
He always tries to outsmart others, but he might end up hoist with his own petard.