Put your foot in your mouth: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Put your foot in your mouth” mean?

"Put your foot in your mouth" means to say something embarrassing or inappropriate.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I really put my foot in my mouth when I accidentally insulted her cooking.

Example

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

Example

I should have kept quiet instead of putting my foot in my mouth with that comment

Is “Put your foot in your mouth” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Put your foot in your mouth” 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 “Put your foot in your mouth” effectively in context?

You can use "Put your foot in your mouth" to describe a situation where someone says something embarrassing, inappropriate, or offensive. It emphasizes the idea of making a verbal blunder or saying the wrong thing. For example, if a friend unintentionally insults someone's appearance, you might say, 'Oops, you really put your foot in your mouth with that comment.'

• 1. Social Gatherings

  At the party, he put his foot in his mouth by making an insensitive joke.

• 2. Workplace

  During the meeting, she put her foot in her mouth by criticizing her colleague's ideas.

• 3. Personal Relationships

  He put his foot in his mouth when he accidentally revealed a surprise party plan to his friend.

Similar phrases to “Put your foot in your mouth”:

Open mouth, insert foot

To say something embarrassing or inappropriate

Example

She opened her mouth and inserted her foot by making an offensive remark.

Speak out of turn

To say something at the wrong time or inappropriately

Example

He spoke out of turn and offended his boss with his comments.

Make a faux pas

To make a social blunder or mistake

Example

She made a faux pas by wearing casual clothes to a formal event.

Stick one's foot in one's mouth

To say something embarrassing or inappropriate

Example

He stuck his foot in his mouth by making an insensitive comment.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Put your foot in your mouth” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Put your foot in your mouth" is unknown.

Is “Put your foot in your mouth” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Put your foot in your mouth" is a common idiom used in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where someone says something embarrassing or inappropriate.

What tone does “Put your foot in your mouth” have?

"Put your foot in your mouth" conveys a tone of embarrassment and regret. It's often used humorously or lightheartedly to acknowledge a verbal mistake.

Can “Put your foot in your mouth” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Put your foot in your mouth" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a common social blunder. You can use it in casual 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, 'I really put my foot in my mouth with that comment.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Oops, "put my foot in my mouth"!' to acknowledge a verbal blunder.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• say something stupid
• embarrass oneself with words
• make a verbal blunder
• put one's foot in it
• make an inappropriate remark

Antonyms

• choose words carefully
• speak tactfully
• say something appropriate
• be diplomatic
• avoid verbal blunders