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
Further guidance
Contextual Examples
I really put my foot in my mouth when I asked about a project that had just been canceled.
He realized he had put his foot in his mouth and quickly apologized.
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.
Meaning Boundary
The phrase points to an unintended social mistake, not a deliberate insult or a general disagreement.
Practical Use
Use it for an accidental remark that is embarrassing, awkward, or upsetting because the speaker did not anticipate its effect.
Regional Variant
Cambridge labels “put your foot in your mouth” US informal and records “put your foot in it” as the UK counterpart.
Tone Boundary
Informal and self-deprecating; it is often safer for describing your own mistake than accusing someone else.
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