(v) retreat as if into a cocoon, as from an unfriendly environment, Example:Families cocoon around the T.V. set most evenings; She loves to stay at home and cocoon
n. [ F. cocon, dim. of coque shell of egge and insects, fr. L. concha mussel shell. See Conch. ] 1. An oblong case in which the silkworm lies in its chrysalis state. It is formed of threads of silk spun by the worm just before leaving the larval state. From these the silk of commerce is prepared. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. (Zool.) (a) The case constructed by any insect to contain its larva or pupa. (b) The case of silk made by spiders to protect their eggs. (c) The egg cases of mucus, etc., made by leeches and other worms. [ 1913 Webster ]
[作茧自缚 / 作繭自縛, zuò jiǎn zì fúㄗㄨㄛˋ ㄐㄧㄢˇ ㄗˋ ㄈㄨˊ] to spin a cocoon around oneself (成语 saw); enmeshed in a trap of one's own devising; hoist with his own petard#57861
[造茧自缚 / 造繭自縛, zào jiǎn zì fúㄗㄠˋ ㄐㄧㄢˇ ㄗˋ ㄈㄨˊ] to spin a cocoon around oneself (成语 saw); enmeshed in a trap of one's own devising; hoist with his own petard