Eat your words

usgb
phrase

To admit you were wrong and apologize.

After predicting the team would lose the match, he had to eat his words when they won.
Visual representation of "eat your words" - To admit you were wrong and apologize

Often appears as...

  • had to eat his words
  • going to eat your words

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "eat your words"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Apology Expected

Using the phrase often implies that an apology or retraction is expected after a mistaken statement.

Illustration for Apology Expected
You said it would never work, but it did. Time to eat your words.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Casual Tone

The expression is informal and usually used among friends or in casual conversations, not in formal settings.

Illustration for Casual Tone
If I'm right, you'll be eating your words at our next game night!
LampPro Tip 3/3

Possible Teasing

It can be used playfully among friends to tease someone about a wrong prediction or opinion.

Illustration for Possible Teasing
Looks like you'll eat your words; my underdog team just won!
Visual representation of the word "Eat your words"

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