EAT CROW Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "eat crow" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation where a person is forced to admit their mistake or humiliation, usually after making bold or arrogant statements. It typically implies that the person has to swallow their pride and accept the consequences of being wrong or proven false, often with humiliation and embarrassment.
Originating from the United States, particularly in the southern regions, "eat crow" originates from the literal act of eating crow, which was considered an unpleasant and unpalatable meal. The phrase is believed to have military origins, dating back to the 19th century when soldiers with no access to fresh supplies were compelled to eat scavenged crows or other carrion birds, as an act of desperation during times of scarcity.
However, in its figurative sense, "eating crow" refers to a person having to publicly acknowledge their errors or defeat. It implies a loss of credibility or dignity, as the individual is unable to backtrack or undo their previous incorrect statements or actions. The phrase is often used in situations where a person's boasting or arrogance has been conclusively disproven, requiring them to eat humble pie and admit their wrongs in an embarrassing fashion.
In summary, "eat crow" is an idiomatic phrase that symbolizes the acceptance of defeat, admitting faults, or acknowledging one's errors with a sense of humiliation and contrition.
Common Misspellings for EAT CROW
- wat crow
- sat crow
- dat crow
- rat crow
- 4at crow
- 3at crow
- ezt crow
- est crow
- ewt crow
- eqt crow
- ear crow
- eaf crow
- eag crow
- eay crow
- ea6 crow
- ea5 crow
- eat xrow
- eat vrow
- eat frow
- eat drow
Etymology of EAT CROW
The origin and etymology of the phrase "eat crow" can be traced back to the United States. In the 19th century, it was common in rural communities to participate in hunting competitions where a group of hunters would each bring their own hunting dogs. If a hunter claimed that their dog was superior to others but it failed in performance, they would have to "eat crow" as a way to demonstrate their humiliation and admit their mistake. This act of eating crow became associated with the idea of admitting one's error in a situation where boastful claims are proven wrong. Over time, the phrase "eat crow" has evolved to generally mean swallowing one's pride, acknowledging being wrong, or accepting a humiliation.
Idioms with the word EAT CROW
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make sm eat crow
The idiom "make someone eat crow" means to force someone to admit that they were wrong or have been proven false or mistaken, often in a humiliating or embarrassing manner.
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make someone eat crow
The idiom "make someone eat crow" means to force someone to admit they were wrong, often in a humiliating or embarrassing way.
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eat crow, at eat humble pie
To "eat crow" or "eat humble pie" is an idiom that means to admit that one was wrong or mistaken and to accept the consequences gracefully. It involves swallowing one's pride and accepting accountability for one's mistakes or misjudgments.
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make eat crow
To be forced to admit that one was wrong or mistaken, typically in a humiliating or embarrassing way.
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eat crow
To "eat crow" means to admit that one was wrong and accept the consequences or humiliation that result from being proven incorrect.
Similar spelling words for EAT CROW
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