beat one's breast
Show dramatic remorse
To beat one's breast is to make a dramatic show of grief, guilt, or remorse—often with the implication that the display is excessive or performative.
The phrase evokes the ancient gesture of striking one's chest in mourning.
There's no point in beating your breast over past mistakes—just learn from them.
Sometimes genuinely contrite, but more often suggests self-indulgent lamentation.
- mourning ritualsCustoms for expressing grief
- gnashing of teethJaw-clenching in anguish
- contritionRemorseful state over misdeeds
- hand-wringingDemonstrative display of distress
- repentanceRemorseful rejection of past wrongs
lamentation · self-reproach · flagellation · shame · wailing · mea culpa · ask forgiveness · regret · confession · apology · public display · crocodile tears · sorrow · bowing · kneeling · anguish · prayer · spiritual cleansing
beat one's breastkeep a stiff upper lip
Remain composed under pressure
suffer in silence · keep one's counsel · grin and bear it · internalize · hold one's tongue
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