What does “Have Egg on Your Face” mean?

"Have Egg on Your Face" means to be embarrassed or humiliated because of a mistake or failure.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He thought he had all the answers, but ended up having egg on his face when he got the questions wrong.

Example

She confidently made a bold prediction, only to have egg on her face when it turned out to be completely wrong.

Example

The team was so sure they would win the game, but they ended up having egg on their face when they lost by a landslide

Is “Have Egg on Your Face” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Have 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 “Have Egg on Your Face” effectively in context?

You can use "Have Egg on Your Face" to describe a situation where someone is embarrassed or humiliated because of a mistake or failure. It emphasizes the feeling of embarrassment and the public nature of the mistake. For example, if a friend confidently makes a prediction that turns out to be completely wrong, you might say, 'She really had egg on her face after that.'

1Social Gatherings
He thought he had all the answers, but ended up having egg on his face when he got the questions wrong.
2Predictions
She confidently made a bold prediction, only to have egg on her face when it turned out to be completely wrong.
3Competitions
The team was so sure they would win the game, but they ended up having egg on their face when they lost by a landslide.

Similar phrases to “Have Egg on Your Face”:

Foot in Mouth

To say something embarrassing or inappropriate

Example

He always seems to put his foot in his mouth during important meetings.

Eat Crow

To admit that one was wrong or mistaken

Example

After his false accusations, he had to eat crow and apologize.

Make a Fool of Oneself

To behave in a way that makes oneself look foolish

Example

She made a fool of herself by tripping on stage during the performance.

Red-faced

To be visibly embarrassed or ashamed

Example

He was left red-faced after his inappropriate comment.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Have Egg on Your Face” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Have Egg on Your Face" is unknown. It is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, possibly from the practice of throwing eggs at performers who failed to entertain or impress the audience.

Is “Have Egg on Your Face” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Have Egg on Your Face" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe situations where someone experiences embarrassment or humiliation due to a mistake or failure.

What tone does “Have Egg on Your Face” have?

"Have Egg on Your Face" conveys a tone of amusement or sympathy, depending on the context. It is often used in a lighthearted manner to describe embarrassing situations, but it can also be used to express empathy towards someone who has made a mistake.

Can “Have Egg on Your Face” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Have Egg on Your Face" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations or professional discussions.

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 ended up having egg on his face when he got the questions wrong.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Well, she definitely had egg on her face!' to imply embarrassment.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

be embarrassed
feel humiliated
experience shame
face public embarrassment
suffer a blow to one's pride

Antonyms

feel proud
receive praise
achieve success
be applauded
have a triumphant moment