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to eat one's words
01
to take back something one has said previously
Idiom
InformalWhat 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.
Examples
I said I'd never try skydiving, but after loving it I had to eat my words.
The weather forecaster had to eat their words when the storm they predicted failed to arrive.
