have egg on one's face
Looking foolish publicly
To have egg on one's face is to be embarrassed by a mistake or failed prediction, especially one made publicly or confidently: The pollsters had egg on their faces after the election.
The image suggests the messy, undignified aftermath of being pelted with eggs—or perhaps the oblivious fool who doesn't notice breakfast on his chin.
- egg on faceEmbarrassment from error
- red-facedShowing visible embarrassment
- mockeryScornful ridicule or travesty
- put one's foot in itCommit a social blunder
- foot in mouthSpeaking without tact
apology · laughing stock · shame · ridicule · slip-up · blunder · epic fail · mortification · eat crow · swallow pride · judgment · backfire · PR disaster · regret · faux pas · awkwardness · self-consciousness · embarrassment
have egg on one's facesave face
Protect one's reputation
hold one's head high · come out smelling like a rose · come up roses · come out on top · keep one's cool
have egg on one's facehave the last laugh
Succeed after seeming defeat
come out on top · triumph · hit the nail on the head · nail it · pull it off