What does “Eat your words” mean?
"Eat your words" means to admit that you were wrong or retract something you said.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After insisting he would never apologize, he had to eat his words when the evidence proved him wrong.
Example
She confidently predicted her team would win, but they lost and she had to eat her words.
Example
He mocked his friend's idea, but later had to eat his words when it turned out to be successful
Is “Eat your words” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Eat your words” 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 your words” effectively in context?
You can use "Eat your words" when someone has to admit that they were wrong or retract something they said. It emphasizes the idea of being proven incorrect and having to acknowledge it. For example, if a friend confidently predicts the outcome of a game and their team loses, you might say, 'Looks like you'll have to eat your words.'
- 1Argument
After insisting he would never apologize, he had to eat his words when the evidence proved him wrong.
- 2Sports
She confidently predicted her team would win, but they lost and she had to eat her words.
- 3Opinion
He mocked his friend's idea, but later had to eat his words when it turned out to be successful.
Similar phrases to “Eat your words”:
To retract or reverse a previous statement or position
Example
After receiving backlash, the politician backpedaled on his controversial statement.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Eat your words” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Eat your words" is unknown.
Is “Eat your words” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Eat your words" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to highlight situations where someone has to admit they were wrong or retract something they said.
What tone does “Eat your words” have?
"Eat your words" conveys a tone of embarrassment or humility. It's often used to point out someone's incorrect statement or prediction and emphasize their need to acknowledge their mistake.
Can “Eat your words” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Eat your words" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of admitting one's mistake or retracting a statement. 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 confidently made a bold claim, but later had to eat his words.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to eat your words!' to imply someone's need to admit they were wrong.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- recant
- eat humble pie
- admit you were wrong
- retract your statement
- acknowledge your mistake
Antonyms
- stick to your guns
- stand by your words
- hold your ground
- maintain your position
- defend your statement
