Sometimes you get captured by the bit you're playing.

Maybe you think you're doing a "bit" as a savvy play to convince others.

Perhaps, for example, you use a motte and bailey argumentation technique.

That is, a strong and easy to defend argument (the motte) and a superficially similar but broad and weak argument (the bailey)

You start with the bailey and if no one calls you on it, you gain new territory.

But if someone calls you on the weak argument, you retreat to the motte.

This tactic is a form of capped downside (albeit a cynical one). You can grow your territory but be unlikely to be knocked out of the game.

But if you're too powerful, sometimes the bit works too well.

No one forces you to retreat to the motte.

You get trapped by the bit.

Now you just live in the bailey, but earnestly!