What does “Eat crow” mean?
"Eat crow" means to admit that you were wrong or made a mistake.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After his team lost the game, he had to eat crow and admit that he underestimated the opponent.
Example
She had to eat crow and apologize for spreading false rumors about her coworker.
Example
The politician had to eat crow and backtrack on his previous statements when evidence proved him wrong
Is “Eat crow” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Eat crow” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Eat crow” effectively in context?
You can use "Eat Crow" when someone needs to admit that they were wrong or made a mistake. It emphasizes the idea of swallowing one's pride and accepting responsibility for one's errors. For example, if a friend wrongly accuses someone of stealing, you might say, 'When she realizes her mistake, she'll have to eat crow and apologize.'
- 1Sports
After his team lost the game, he had to eat crow and admit that he underestimated the opponent.
- 2Office
She had to eat crow and apologize for spreading false rumors about her coworker.
- 3Politics
The politician had to eat crow and backtrack on his previous statements when evidence proved him wrong.
Similar phrases to “Eat crow”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Eat crow” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Eat Crow" is unknown. It is believed to have originated in the United States in the 19th century, but the exact source is unclear.
Is “Eat crow” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Eat Crow" is a well-known idiom and is commonly used in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where someone has to admit their mistake or accept that they were wrong.
What tone does “Eat crow” have?
"Eat Crow" conveys a tone of humility and accountability. It is often used to highlight the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and admitting when one is wrong.
Can “Eat crow” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Eat Crow" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that conveys the idea of admitting one's mistakes. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He had to eat crow and apologize for his behavior.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "eat crow"!' to imply the need to admit a mistake.
