What does “Egg on your face” mean?
"Egg on your face" means to be embarrassed or humiliated, usually because of a mistake or failure.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After his big speech, he realized he had egg on his face when he mispronounced a key word.
Example
She thought she had the winning answer, but when she was proven wrong, she had egg on her face.
Example
The team's loss in the championship game left them with egg on their face in front of their fans
Is “Egg on your face” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Egg on your face” 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 “Egg on your face” effectively in context?
You can use "Egg on your face" to describe a situation where someone is embarrassed or humiliated, usually because of a mistake or failure. It emphasizes the feeling of being publicly exposed and made to look foolish. For example, if a friend makes a joke that falls flat and everyone laughs at them, you might say, 'Looks like you have egg on your face.'
- 1Public Speaking
After his big speech, he realized he had egg on his face when he mispronounced a key word.
- 2Knowledge or Expertise
She thought she had the winning answer, but when she was proven wrong, she had egg on her face.
- 3Competition or Performance
The team's loss in the championship game left them with egg on their face in front of their fans.
Similar phrases to “Egg on your face”:
Red-faced
To be visibly embarrassed or ashamed
Example
He was red-faced when he realized he had forgotten his lines on stage.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Egg on your face” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Egg on your face" is unknown.
Is “Egg on your face” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Egg on your face" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where someone is embarrassed or humiliated due to a mistake or failure.
What tone does “Egg on your face” have?
"Egg on your face" conveys a tone of embarrassment and humiliation. It's often used to sympathize with someone who has made a blunder or to mock someone who has been caught in an embarrassing situation.
Can “Egg on your face” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Egg on your face" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a common human experience. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, 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 egg on his face after his embarrassing mistake.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Well, that's egg on your face!' to imply someone's embarrassment.
