"Had egg on one's face" is an idiomatic expression which means to be embarrassed or humiliated due to one's own mistakes, poor judgment, or embarrassing situation. This phrase is often used colloquially to describe a person's plight after being caught in an awkward or embarrassing circumstance.
The origin of this metaphorical phrase can be traced back to the visual image of an individual with egg on their face, which would undoubtedly attract attention and evoke ridicule or shame. Eating an egg in haste and accidentally dropping it could result in a person having yolk and whites smeared on their face, leading to embarrassment.
When someone has egg on their face, it implies an unfortunate situation where their actions or decisions have backfired or made them appear foolish. This could include making a wrong prediction, giving incorrect information, or being caught in a lie.
Having egg on one's face often leads to social embarrassment or loss of credibility, particularly when the situation plays out in front of others. It could lead to feelings of shame, awkwardness, or regret. In some cases, individuals may also experience a blow to their reputation or professional standing.
Overall, "had egg on one's face" signifies a state of embarrassment or humiliation resulting from one's own mistakes, misjudgments, or embarrassing circumstances.
