THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Eat your words
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To admit that something you previously said was wrong.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- You may have to eat your words if the new team wins.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
You may have to ________ if the new team wins.
Show the answer
Eat your words — To admit that something you previously said was wrong.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Eat your words” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
To admit that something you previously said was wrong.
Compare: You may have to eat your words if the new team wins.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this conversational expression when evidence contradicts an earlier claim or prediction. Telling someone they will eat their words can sound challenging or triumphant.
More examples in context
- I said the timetable could never work, but I had to eat my words after the successful trial.
- He ate his words when the supposedly unreliable printer completed every job correctly.
Usage note
Change your to my, her or another possessive as needed. The past form is ate my words. The expression involves acknowledging an earlier error, not merely changing the subject.
A short conversation
A: You said nobody would use the reading corner.
B: I know. It is full every lunchtime. I have to eat my words.
A: It has become a useful space.
One more practice question
Who has to eat their words?
A. Someone who admits their earlier confident claim was wrong.
B. Someone who repeats an earlier claim despite clear contrary evidence.
Check your answer
A. The person recognises that what they said before was incorrect.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.