put one's foot in one's mouth
To misspeak; to say something embarrassing or wrong, or to make a mistake in public, or a social blunder, that is embarrassing or offensive.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I put my foot in my mouth when I asked about her ex-husband.”
“I always put my foot in my mouth during important job interviews.”
“He put his foot in his mouth by telling the joke before he knew her mother had died.”
“You might put your foot in your mouth if you congratulate a colleague on being pregnant when she is actually just wearing a loose dress.”
“The manager put his foot in his mouth by complaining about the long hours while the tired staff were standing right behind him.”
“The ambassador, eager to make small talk, put his foot in his mouth by praising the local cuisine while unknowingly insulting the chef standing beside him.”
first recorded 19th c.
Attested from 1887, the expression is an anatomical elaboration upon the earlier phrase to put one's foot in it. The addition of the mouth serves as a physical specification for a social error, though the source records no particular event or individual responsible for the extension.
- 01
abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 04
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 05
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 06
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 07
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
- 08
albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.
Last updated August 10, 2026