思おもう壺つぼにはまる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

to turn out just as one wished; to play into one's hands

Idiomatic expression meaning that a situation develops exactly as someone (often with ill intent) planned, or that someone falls neatly into a trap. The subject is typically the situation or the person who is being manipulated.

• 彼かれが怒おこれば、相あい手ての思おもう壺つぼにはまる。

  If he gets angry, he'll play right into their hands.

• 挑ちょう発はつに乗のったら相あい手ての思おもう壺つぼにはまる。

  If you take the bait, you'll be playing right into their hands.