eats crow
Swallows one's pride
To eat crow is to admit error or accept humiliation, especially after being proven wrong about something you stated confidently.
The image is of being forced to swallow something deeply unpleasant: After predicting a landslide victory, the pundit had to eat crow on election night.
The phrase implies public embarrassment and reluctant acknowledgment of defeat.
- apologyStatement acknowledging wrongdoing
- public apologyOpenly stated remorse
- own upAcknowledge one's wrongdoing
- admit defeatAccept that you've lost
- backtrackReverse one's position
say sorry · take back · bite the bullet · face the music · fess up · swallow one's pride · remorse · shame · forgiveness · contrition · confession · take it on the chin · humiliation · tail between legs · retract · amends · guilt · reconciliation
eats crowdoubles down
Increases commitment despite risk
digs in · stands one's ground · saves face · holds fast · gaslights
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