eat one's dust

/ˈiːt wˈɒnz dˈʌst/

/ˈiːt wˈʌnz dˈʌst/

[phrase]

to eat one's dust

[PHRASE]

to experience a massive defeat by someone in any competitive situation

to [eat] {one's} dust definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "eat one's dust" and when to use it?

The idiom "eat one's dust" is believed to have originated from a literal meaning, where a person riding a horse or driving a vehicle would kick up a cloud of dust as they moved quickly. The person behind them would then be forced to eat the dust, which would make it difficult for them to see and breathe. Over time, the phrase evolved to become a metaphor for being left behind or defeated by someone who is moving at a faster pace.

Examples

1. He's such a fast runner that his competitors are left eating his dust in every race.

2. She has been working hard and has left her colleagues eating her dust in terms of productivity.

3. Instead they eat dust all day.

4. Eat my dust.

Nearby words