swallow one's pride
Eat humble pie
To swallow one's pride is to suppress feelings of self-importance in order to do something humbling or uncomfortable: I had to swallow my pride and ask my parents for money.
The phrase acknowledges that accepting help, admitting error, or backing down can feel like forcing down something unpleasant.
- apologyStatement acknowledging wrongdoing
- admit defeatAccept that you've lost
- compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice
- modestyAbsence of vanity
- self-controlAbility to restrain impulses
surrender · reconciliation · bury the hatchet · mend fences · de-escalation · vulnerability · ask for help · introspection · empathy · forgiveness · acceptance · backing down · cooperation · humble pie · patience · growth mindset · listening · openness
swallow one's pridestand one's ground
Refuse to back down
assert oneself · hold one's head high · stand firm · put one's foot down · dig in one's heels
swallow one's pridehold out
Refuse to concede
fight back · draw a line in the sand · make a stand · resist · rebel
swallow one's pridestand on one's dignity
Insist on proper respect
assert oneself · save face · hold one's head high · put on airs · lord it over
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