Eat humble pie

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Meaning

To admit fault or take a humbling hit, swallowing pride like a bitter dish-contrite and low after being wrong or bested.

Origin

From 14th-century England, tied to 'umbles'; deer guts given to servants post-hunt, while lords ate prime cuts-humble fare. By 1648, a play twists 'umble pie' to shame, and an 1830s 'humble pie' tale cements it.

Variants

  • Humble pie
  • Eat the pie

Usage Examples

  • He ate humble pie after his big prediction bombed.
  • She had to eat humble pie and admit she was wrong.
  • Eat humble pie now; you bragged too soon!

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