drop a clanger

To accidentally do something embarrassing. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. I really dropped a clanger when I asked Julia about her surprise party—which hadn't happened yet. I dropped a clanger on our first date by ordering veal, only realizing later that he's a staunch animal rights advocate. Yeah, I dropped a clanger when I started teasing Henry about his crush on Caroline, but I truly had no idea she was standing behind me!

drop a clanger

BRITISH, INFORMAL

If you drop a clanger, you make a very embarrassing mistake. Conservatives in Eastleigh dropped a clanger in their election leaflet by admitting that few people will be voting for them tomorrow. The presenter dropped a clanger on this morning's show by referring to the singer's long-haired son as a girl. Note: This expression probably comes from comparing an obvious and embarrassing mistake with the clang or loud ringing noise made when a heavy metal object is dropped.

drop a clanger

make an embarrassing or foolish mistake. British informal

Dropping something that makes a loud clang attracts attention; this mid 20th-century expression is used especially in the context of a very embarrrassing or tactless act or remark made in a social situation.

1998 Spectator Yet he never escaped from his own nagging suspicion that he had somehow overachieved…and that he was likely to drop a huge clanger at any moment.

drop a ˈbrick/ˈclanger

(British English, informal) say or do something that offends or embarrasses somebody, although you did not intend to: I dropped a real clanger when I mentioned the party. He hadn’t been invited.