I put my foot in my mouth when I asked about her ex-husband.
put one's foot in one's mouth
idiomTo misspeak; to say something embarrassing or wrong, or to make a mistake in public, or a social blunder, that is embarrassing or offensive.
Origin
first recorded 19th c.Attested from 1887; from earlier put one's foot in it.
He put his foot in his mouth by telling the joke before he knew her mother had died.
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.
- 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 July 12, 2026