What does “Eat humble pie” mean?
"Eat humble pie" means to admit your mistake and apologize humbly.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After realizing his error, he had to eat humble pie and apologize to his colleagues.
Example
She was forced to eat humble pie when her false accusations were exposed.
Example
The politician had to eat humble pie after his scandalous behavior was made public
Is “Eat humble pie” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Eat humble pie” 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 humble pie” effectively in context?
You can use "Eat Humble Pie" when someone needs to admit their mistake and apologize sincerely. It emphasizes the need to humble oneself and acknowledge wrongdoing. For example, if a friend makes a hurtful comment and later realizes their error, you might say, 'He had to eat humble pie and apologize for his insensitive remark.'
- 1Work
After realizing his error, he had to eat humble pie and apologize to his colleagues.
- 2Personal Relationships
She was forced to eat humble pie when her false accusations were exposed.
- 3Public Image
The politician had to eat humble pie after his scandalous behavior was made public.
Similar phrases to “Eat humble pie”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Eat humble pie” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Eat Humble Pie" can be traced back to medieval times. 'Umbles' referred to the internal organs of a deer, which were considered a lowly and humble food. These organs were often served to servants or lower-class individuals. Over time, the phrase 'eat humble pie' came to symbolize the act of swallowing one's pride and admitting a mistake or apologizing.
Is “Eat humble pie” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Eat Humble Pie" is a well-known and frequently used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where someone admits their mistake and apologizes sincerely.
What tone does “Eat humble pie” have?
"Eat Humble Pie" conveys a tone of humility and remorse. It's often used to describe situations where someone realizes their error and takes responsibility for their actions.
Can “Eat humble pie” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "eat humble pie" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of admitting mistakes and apologizing sincerely. 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's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He had to eat humble pie and apologize for his mistake.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "eat humble pie"!' to imply the need to admit a mistake.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- apologize
- admit one's mistake
- acknowledge wrongdoing
- make amends
- take responsibility
Antonyms
- defend one's position
- refuse to apologize
- deny wrongdoing
- blame others
- avoid taking responsibility
