eat your words
Meaning
To admit you were wrong and take back what you said, often after events prove the opposite.
Origin
Recorded from at least the 1500s. The vivid metaphor suggests being forced to “swallow” what you said—an embarrassing retraction after being proven wrong.
Notes
Often implies embarrassment or humiliation and can sound teasing or accusatory (“you’ll eat your words”). Common in conversation; use cautiously in formal or sensitive contexts.
Examples
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After the underdog won the championship, the critics had to eat their words.
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If the update works flawlessly, I'll gladly eat my words about this software.
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She said the project would fail, but she had to eat her words when it launched on time.
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He told everyone the team would never make the playoffs, and now he's eating his words.
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When the restaurant became a local favorite, I had to eat my words about it being overrated.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed phrase: usually “eat your words” or with inflection (“ate/has eaten/is eating”). Pronoun can change (eat my/his/their words). Often used with “have to” or future prediction (“you’ll eat your words”).
Synonyms
- admit you were wrong
- take it back
- retract your statement
- recant
- backtrack
Antonyms
- stand by your words
- stick to your guns
- hold your ground