Definition & Meaning of "Eat words"

eat one's words

/ˈiːt wˈɒnz wˈɜːdz/

/ˈiːt wˈʌnz wˈɜːdz/

to eat one's words

PHRASE

to take back something one has said previously

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

The idiom "eat one's words" originated in the early 17th century. It refers to having to retract or renounce something one has said due to being proved wrong. The figurative phrase draws from the notion of literally consuming the phrases or vows spoken.

Example

After the election upset, the pundits who claimed the outcome was decided had to eat their words.

You doubted I could lose 20 pounds - I think it's time for you to eat your words!

When my investment paid off against all odds, my naysaying friend ate their words.

The weather forecaster had to eat their words when the storm they predicted failed to arrive.

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