Eat one's words - 英语词汇详解

Meaning 1：Admit being wrong (Eat one's words)

Eat one's words 🔊

/ˌiːt wʌnz ˈwɜːrdz/

phr.v.

To admit that what you said was wrong, often in a humble or embarrassed way.

Admit being wrong 🔊

➕

/ədˈmɪt ˈbiːɪŋ rɒŋ/

phr.v.

To retract a previous statement and acknowledge that it was incorrect, often with humility.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Phrasal verb from 'eat' (consume) + 'words' (spoken statements), metaphorically consuming one's own claims.

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine eating a plate of your own printed words—you literally consume your mistakes.

📖 Example

He was so sure the homework wouldn't be extended, but when the teacher announced it, he had to eat his words. 🔊 He was so sure the homework wouldn't be extended, but when the teacher announced it, he had to admit he was wrong.

🔗 Collocations

force someone to eat their words – compel someone to admit they were wrong

make someone eat their words – cause someone to retract a statement

eat one's own words – admit personal mistake

🔄 Synonyms

recant (v.) – Formally withdraw a statement or belief.

retract (v.) – Take back a statement, acknowledging it was false.

apologize (v.) – Express regret for a wrong statement.

🚫 Antonyms

stand by one's words (phrase) – Maintain and defend what one said.

stick to one's story (phrase) – Refuse to change a statement despite evidence.

🌱 Derivatives

word-eating (adj.) – Related to retracting a statement.

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from 16th-century English, where 'eat one's words' meant to recant a statement, akin to physically swallowing false promises. Often used in political or personal apologies.