English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Eat words
Meaning
The idiom "eat words" means to swallow one's words or to retract something that was previously said. It is often used to describe a situation where someone has spoken impulsively or incorrectly and is now forced to admit their mistake by eating their words. The figurative meaning of this idiom is to feel embarrassed or ashamed for having made a mistake, and to swallow one's pride along with the words they said.
Usage
- I can't believe I said that. I was so wrong. I think I just need to eat my words and move on.
- I promised my boss I would finish this project by yesterday, but I didn't. Now I have to eat my words and explain the delay.
- I made a joke about my coworker's accent, but now that he's laughing at me, I guess I have to eat my words.
- I was so confident in my decision, but now that it has backfired, I'm eating my words and regretting my choice.
- When my friend told me she was going to quit her job, I teased her about how easy it would be. Now that she's actually done it, I have to eat my words and admit I underestimated her.
Roots and History
The exact origin of the idiom "eat words" is uncertain, but there are several theories. One theory suggests that it comes from the practice of eating food as a form of penance or punishment for making mistakes. Another theory suggests that it comes from the idea of swallowing one's pride along with their words. Over time, the idiom has become more commonly used in everyday language to describe situations where someone has made a mistake and is forced to admit it. The meaning of the idiom has remained relatively consistent over time, but there may be some variations depending on regional or cultural contexts.
Synonyms in English
- Eat one's words
- Swallow one's pride
- Bite one's tongue
- Hold one's tongue
- Keep one's mouth shut
Synonyms in other languages
- French: manger ses paroles
- Spanish: comer sus palabras
- German: sich seiner Anredung fügen
- Italian: masticare le proprie parole
- Russian: скрыть простую правду