[eat] dirt
1
to receive insults or bad treatment, especially without ever complaining
The origin of the idiom "eat dirt" is not precisely documented, but it is believed to have developed from the idea that consuming dirt or soil is a symbol of submission and humiliation.It is commonly used to convey the idea that someone should humbly accept defeat, humiliation, or acknowledge their mistake in a submissive or embarrassed manner.
- He eats dirt every time he tries to show off his skills and fails miserably.
- She eats dirt whenever she tries to impress others but ends up embarrassing herself instead.
- I ate dirt when I stumbled and fell in front of everyone during the dance performance.
- They ate dirt after their team lost the championship game by a landslide.
- Tomorrow, he will eat dirt if he insists on challenging the experienced chess player.
2
to regret or feel bad about what one has said earlier
- After my negative prediction for the season, I certainly ate dirt when the team started out undefeated.