Put Your Foot in Your Mouth – Meaning and Examples

Have you ever said something you immediately regretted—like making a joke that offended someone, asking a personal question by mistake, or commenting on something you didn’t understand? In English, we say you put your foot in your mouth! This relatable idiom describes saying something awkward, tactless, or embarrassing—usually by accident.

What Does “Put Your Foot in Your Mouth” Mean?

“Put your foot in your mouth” means to say something foolish, inappropriate, or offensive without meaning to. Think of it like accidentally stuffing your foot into your mouth instead of speaking carefully—it’s messy and hard to take back! The phrase isn’t literal; it’s a vivid, slightly humorous way to talk about verbal blunders.

When to Use It

Use this phrase in casual or light-hearted conversations with friends, family, or coworkers when someone (or you!) says something awkward or insensitive. It’s common after social slip-ups, misunderstandings, or well-meaning comments that backfire. This idiom is informal and often used with a tone of self-awareness or gentle teasing—not anger.

Example Sentences

• I didn’t know she was allergic to dogs—I really put my foot in my mouth when I asked about her new puppy.
• He put his foot in his mouth by saying the meeting was boring… right in front of the boss!
• Oops—I just put my foot in my mouth by asking if she’d lost weight. She’s pregnant!
• Don’t mention politics at dinner—you’ll put your foot in your mouth again.

Mini Dialogue

Alex: “Why did Sam leave the party so fast?”

Jamie: “I put my foot in my mouth… I asked how his divorce was going. He’s not divorced!”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t use this phrase for intentional insults or mean comments. It only applies to *accidental* or *unintended* social mistakes—not deliberate rudeness.

❌ Don’t say: “He yelled at her—that really put his foot in his mouth.” (That’s intentional, not a slip-up.)
✅ Do say: “I put my foot in my mouth when I called her ‘Mrs.’—she’s never been married.”

Final Note

Now you can use “put your foot in your mouth” to talk about those all-too-human moments of verbal clumsiness! It’s a lighthearted, honest way to acknowledge a social slip-up. Keep using it—and remember, everyone puts their foot in their mouth sometimes. The key is to apologize, learn, and move on!