put one's foot in it

You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase put one's foot in it, maybe you heard it in a TV show, movie or theater play. Although this idiom is not used very often, it enriches your capacity of expression and strengthens communication. In which case is the expression put one's foot in it used and what is its meaning?

Meaning of "put one's foot in it"

Meaning

The phrase “put one’s foot in it” is a British idiom which is used to refer to saying or doing something awkward or embarrassing. It is often used to describe a situation in which somebody inadvertently says or does something wrong or inappropriate.

Etymology

The origin of this phrase is not known for certain, but it has been suggested that it is derived from a traditional English children’s game dating back to at least the 1700s. The game is called “putting one’s foot in the crock”, which involves balancing a pottery crock on one foot and then trying to put the other foot in it without toppling the crock. This game could be used as a metaphor to describe someone making a mistake by saying or doing the wrong thing.

Usage

This phrase is often used to describe an embarrassing situation in which someone has made a blunder or said something inappropriate. It can also be used to refer to a situation which is awkward because somebody has made an embarrassing mistake which is hard to fix. For example, if someone accidentally said something that offends another person it could be said that they have “put their foot in it”. It can also be used jokingly to refer to someone who has made an embarrassing mistake, or someone who has said or done the wrong thing.

Example Sentences

• He really put his foot in it when he commented on her weight without realising she was trying to lose it.
• I thought I had done pretty well in the interview, but then I put my foot in it and said something really stupid.
• I guess I put my foot in my mouth when I asked her about her age.
• He put his foot in it when he told the boss his opinion about the new project.

From Shakespeare to Social Media: The Evolution of English Idioms

English idioms have been around for centuries, with many originating from sources like literature, mythology, and everyday life. Shakespeare, for example, coined many phrases that are still used today, such as "break the ice" and "heart of gold." Over time, new idioms have emerged, with social media and popular culture providing rich sources of inspiration. For instance, the phrase "throwing shade" came into use in the 1990s thanks to ball culture, but has since been popularized by social media.