The expression "eats words" means retracting what one has said before. The word "eats" is a verb, pronounced as /its/ in IPA phonetic transcription. It has a silent "e" at the end, indicating that the preceding vowel "a" should be pronounced as /eɪ/. On the other hand, "words" is a noun, pronounced as /wɜːdz/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The letter "o" is not pronounced, and the vowel "u" is pronounced as /ɜː/. Thus, "eats words" is correctly spelled as written, and the IPA phonetic transcription helps clarify the pronunciation of each word.
The phrase "eats words" is an idiomatic expression that refers to the act of retracting or taking back one's previous statement or promise. It conveys the idea that someone is forced to withdraw or deny what they previously said due to being proven wrong, embarrassed, or challenged by a certain situation or new information. This phrase is often used in a figurative sense, indicating someone's regret or embarrassment regarding their earlier assertions or claims.
When someone "eats their words," it implies that their original statement or declaration has been contradicted, proved false, or simply turned out to be untrue. This may lead to feelings of humiliation, as the individual is now obligated to own up to their error openly or admit that they were mistaken. Additionally, "eats words" can suggest a loss of credibility or integrity, especially when the person had taken a strong stance on the subject matter previously.
The phrase can also be applied in various contexts, such as politics, sports, or personal relationships, where individuals may have made bold or assertive statements that are subsequently contradicted or disproven. Ultimately, "eats words" signifies the act of retracting, refuting, or disowning one's prior words or beliefs, often due to being proven incorrect or facing unexpected circumstances.
The phrase "eats words" does not have a specific etymology as it is not a standalone word or term. However, it is an idiom that means someone takes back or withdraws something they have said. The origins of idioms are often traced back to their metaphorical or figurative meanings rather than their individual word components. In the case of "eats words", it directly refers to the act of consuming or devouring the words one has uttered, implying a complete withdrawal or retraction of those words.