eat words
Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Medical, Encyclopedia.
eat (one's) words
To retract, regret, or feel foolish about what one has previously said. You think I can't get an A in this class, but I'll make you eat your words when we get our report cards! After my negative prediction for the season, I certainly ate my words when the team started out undefeated.
eat (one's) words
Fig. to have to take back one's statements; to confess that one's predictions were wrong. You shouldn't say that to me. I'll make you eat your words. John was wrong about the election and had to eat his words.
eat (one's) words
To retract something that one has said.