Phrases & IdiomsIdiom guide
Put Your Foot in Your Mouth
“Put your foot in your mouth” describes accidentally saying something embarrassing or upsetting. Cambridge labels this wording US informal and points to the UK counterpart “put your foot in it.”
“Put your foot in your mouth” means accidentally say something embarrassing, awkward, or upsetting.
Key details
Canonical Formput your foot in your mouth
Core Meaningto accidentally say something that embarrasses or upsets someone
Regional ScopeCambridge labels this wording US informal and gives “put your foot in it” as the UK counterpart.
Further guidance
Current Meaning
to accidentally say something that embarrasses or upsets someone
History Boundary
This guide establishes present-day form and meaning and does not assert an exact inventor, coinage, or first printed use.
Regional Variant
Cambridge labels “put your foot in your mouth” US informal and records “put your foot in it” as the UK counterpart.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Put your foot in your mouth — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Current US informal idiom meaning: accidentally say something embarrassing or upsetting