# put one's foot in one's mouth

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/put-ones-foot-in-ones-mouth
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To misspeak; to say something embarrassing or wrong, or to make a mistake in public, or a social blunder, that is embarrassing or offensive.

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.