Region: UK | Usage example: He ate humble pie after promising results and missing deadlines.

Eat humble pie

Meaning

Admit error and apologize.

Used when someone must acknowledge a mistake.

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

From medieval 'umble pie' made from deer innards, eaten by servants.

Became metaphor for lowered pride in English literature of the 17th century.