English Explanatory Dictionary

eat crow

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To recognize that one has been shown to be mistaken or outdone, especially by admitting that one has made a humiliating error.

Pronunciation

/ˌit ˈkɹoʊ/ en-au-eat crow.ogg

Word forms

eat crow eats crow eating crow ate crow eaten crow

Etymology

First appeared in the US in the 1870s under the form eat boiled crow. Further origin unknown. Crow meat is considered unfit for consumption, but this is true of very many animals. Compare perhaps the association of black birds with misfortune.

Related words

bitter pill to swallow croweater eat humble pie hard pill to swallow
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