eat crow

Definition

To recognize that one has been shown to be mistaken or outdone, especially by admitting that one has made a humiliating error.

Etymology

First appeared in the US in the 1870s under the form eat boiled crow. Further origin unknown. Crow meat is considered unfit for consumption, but this is true of very many animals. Compare perhaps the association of black birds with misfortune.

Example Sentences

• "He must apologise, he saw that clearly enough, must eat crow, as he told himself."
• "The Nationals started with Jerome Herman ("Dizzy") Dean, who reveled in striking out Lou Gehrig in the first inning. Gehrig made Dean eat crow in the third inning by smashing a home run."
• "In political libel, furthermore, a public recanting by the vilifier is more likely to be believed by the public, for it is well known that no politician likes to "eat crow" unless he has to."