eat humble pie

Definition

To admit one's faults; to make a humiliating apology.

Etymology

The spoken phrase a numble pie (a pie made from the entrails of a deer) was rebracketed as an umble pie, then written as (a) humble pie, after which the figurative meaning developed.

Example Sentences

• "They were good-natured enough out of their cups, and ate their humble-pie with very good appetites at a reconciliation dinner which Colonel W. had with the 44th, and where he was as perfectly stupid and correct as Prince Prettyman need be. Hang him!"
• "Polly had a spice of girlish malice, and rather liked to see domineering Tom eat humble-pie, just enough to do him good, you know."
• "Angela shook her head. “Men are dull creatures.” “I have already granted that, and I am eating humble pie in asking for an explanation.”"