EATING CROW Meaning and
Definition
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"Eating crow" is an idiomatic expression that refers to the act of facing humiliation or admitting a mistake or defeat, typically after making a bold or confident assertion. It is often used to describe the experience of being forced to take back one's words after being proven wrong or being disappointed by the outcome. The phrase derives from the hunting and cooking practices of earlier times.
Metaphorically, "eating crow" implies swallowing one's pride or ego, accepting the consequences of a misguided statement or defiant attitude. It suggests a sense of having to endure the embarrassment and shame associated with retracting a statement or opinion that was previously expressed with certainty or arrogance.
The phrase has both literal and figurative connotations. Literally, to "eat crow" means to consume a potentially undesirable or unpleasant bird, probably as a form of penance or contrition. Figuratively, it embodies the act of admitting error and accepting the consequences with humility. This expression is commonly used in informal and colloquial settings, particularly when discussing interpersonal conflicts, political debates, or public pronouncements where individuals are confronted with undeniable evidence that contradicts their previous claims or beliefs.
"Eating crow" can be perceived as a challenging and humbling experience, as it forces individuals to acknowledge their fallibility and reassess their stance. It symbolizes the recognition that being wrong or misguided is a part of life, requiring sincerity, resilience, and the capacity to learn from one's mistakes.
Common Misspellings for EATING CROW
- wating crow
- sating crow
- dating crow
- rating crow
- 4ating crow
- 3ating crow
- ezting crow
- esting crow
- ewting crow
- eqting crow
- earing crow
- eafing crow
- eaging crow
- eaying crow
- ea6ing crow
- ea5ing crow
- eatung crow
- eatjng crow
- eatkng crow
- eatong crow
Etymology of EATING CROW
The phrase "eating crow" originated in the United States in the early 19th century. The word "crow" refers to the large, black bird of the Corvus family. The etymology of the phrase comes from the behavior of these birds. Crows are known to scavenge and eat carrion or dead animals, but they are also known to eat other birds, including smaller crows.
Therefore, when someone is said to be "eating crow", it means they are being forced to consume something unpalatable or concede that they were wrong, often in a situation where they confidently made a false claim or prediction. This phrase is commonly used to express the idea of being humbled or having to admit an error publicly.
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