Put your foot in it

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phrase

To say or do something wrong or embarrassing, often causing trouble or upsetting someone.

He really put his foot in it when he asked Sarah about her job, not knowing she'd just been fired.
Visual representation of "put your foot in it" - To say or do something wrong or embarrassing, often causing trouble or upsetting someone

Often appears as...

  • put his foot in it
  • put her foot in it

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "put your foot in it"
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Social Faux Pas

Understand that using this phrase often points to a social mistake that's awkward or taboo.

Illustration for Social Faux Pas
When he mentioned her divorce, he really put his foot in it.
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Apology Trigger

It's usually followed by an apology or an attempt to correct the awkward situation.

Illustration for Apology Trigger
After commenting on her haircut, he realized he'd put his foot in it and quickly apologized.
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Informal Expression

It's an informal idiom, more likely to be used in personal conversations than in formal contexts.

Illustration for Informal Expression
I didn't know he had failed his exams; I really put my foot in it.
Visual representation of the word "Put your foot in it"

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