pʊt jɔːr fʊt ɪn jɔːr maʊθ
Body Parts
informal
beginner
- Literally:
- Inserting one's foot into one's mouth
What does "put your foot in your mouth" mean?
- To say something embarrassing or inappropriate
- To make an awkward verbal mistake
Examples
- I really put my foot in my mouth when I mentioned her ex.
- He's always putting his foot in his mouth at meetings.
- Oops, I put my foot in my mouth again!
Origin
Dates back to the 18th century. The image of foot in mouth represents saying something regrettable.
How to use it
Very common expression. Often used self-deprecatingly after social blunders.
Similar expressions
make a gaffe
blunder
say the wrong thing
speak out of turn
Opposites
speak tactfully
say the right thing
Related idioms
- keep an eye on
To watch or monitor something carefully
- heart of gold
A very kind, generous, and caring nature
- caught red-handed
Caught in the act of doing something wrong
- keep your chin up
To stay positive and not be discouraged
- wrap your head around something
To understand something complex
- all ears
Listening attentively and eagerly
Use it in a practice answer
Try "put your foot in your mouth" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.