English Explanatory Dictionary

wear sackcloth and ashes

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To publicly express regret for something done wrong.

Word forms

wear sackcloth and ashes wears sackcloth and ashes wearing sackcloth and ashes wore sackcloth and ashes worn sackcloth and ashes

Etymology

From the Bible Book of Esther 4:1 "When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly".

Related words

eat crow beat one's breast
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