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Region: General | Usage example: I put my foot in my mouth by mentioning their surprise party.

Foot in mouth

Meaning

Say something embarrassing or inappropriate.

Usage

Describe verbal blunders.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Metaphor for saying things better left unsaid.

20th-century slang used in newspapers and comedy.

Related Idioms

Put your foot in your mouth

Say something embarrassing.

Get off on the right foot

Start something well.

Shoot oneself in the foot

Do something self-defeating.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.