An apology is an important way to show we care when we hurt someone’s feelings or make a mistake. People use idioms, or common phrases, to apologize in different ways. These idioms can help make the apology feel more sincere and thoughtful. For example, when you say “I’m sorry,” you can add an idiom to make it sound more meaningful.
In this article, we will explore different idioms used to apologize. Some idioms are easy to understand, while others might need a little explanation. By the end, you’ll learn how to use these idioms in your everyday conversations. Understanding them can help you express yourself better and make your apologies sound more genuine.
Idioms About Apologies
1. Eat Crow
Meaning: To admit that you were wrong and apologize.
Example Sentence:
- “After getting the answer wrong in class, Mike had to eat crow.”
- “She didn’t want to eat crow, but she had to admit she made a mistake.”
Other ways to say: Admit you’re wrong, swallow your pride.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase is thought to come from the idea that eating crow would be unpleasant, much like admitting you’re wrong.
Usage: When someone has to admit a mistake and apologize.
2. Say Sorry
Meaning: To express regret for something you did wrong.
Example Sentence:
- “I need to say sorry for forgetting your birthday.”
- “You should say sorry for yelling at your friend.”
Other ways to say: Apologize, ask for forgiveness.
Fun Fact/Origin: A simple way to show regret and fix a mistake.
Usage: Used in everyday situations when you make a mistake.
3. Hold Your Hands Up
Meaning: To admit that you did something wrong.
Example Sentence:
- “I had to hold my hands up and admit I made the mistake.”
- “She held her hands up after the game when she dropped the ball.”
Other ways to say: Own up to, take responsibility.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the image of raising your hands in surrender.
Usage: Used when someone admits their fault.
4. Bite the Bullet
Meaning: To face a difficult truth and apologize.
Example Sentence:
- “I didn’t want to apologize, but I had to bite the bullet.”
- “He finally bit the bullet and said he was sorry for his actions.”
Other ways to say: Face the music, take the hard step.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from soldiers who used to bite a bullet during painful medical procedures.
Usage: Used when you do something hard, like apologizing.
5. Eat Humble Pie
Meaning: To apologize and admit that you were wrong.
Example Sentence:
- “Tom had to eat humble pie after losing the race and blaming his teammates.”
- “She ate humble pie and admitted she didn’t study enough for the test.”
Other ways to say: Apologize, admit fault.
Fun Fact/Origin: In the past, “humble pie” was a type of food that was eaten by lower-class people, symbolizing humility.
Usage: Used when someone admits they were wrong.
6. Take the Blame
Meaning: To accept responsibility for a mistake and apologize.
Example Sentence:
- “I’ll take the blame for the broken vase.”
- “He took the blame for the mistake at work, even though it wasn’t all his fault.”
Other ways to say: Accept responsibility, own up to it.
Fun Fact/Origin: The idea of taking blame comes from the way people in charge might accept responsibility in difficult situations.
Usage: Used when someone accepts the fault for something that went wrong.
7. Apologize from the Bottom of Your Heart
Meaning: To apologize deeply and sincerely.
Example Sentence:
- “I apologize from the bottom of my heart for hurting your feelings.”
- “She apologized from the bottom of her heart for being late to the event.”
Other ways to say: Sincerely apologize, truly regret.
Fun Fact/Origin: This expression suggests that the apology is felt deeply and comes from inside.
Usage: Used when you want to show that you are genuinely sorry.
8. Clear the Air
Meaning: To make things right and apologize for misunderstandings.
Example Sentence:
- “We had a big fight, but we finally cleared the air and apologized.”
- “She wanted to clear the air after the argument and apologize to her friend.”
Other ways to say: Make amends, settle the issue.
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase comes from the idea of making the air fresh and clean after something unpleasant.
Usage: Used when you want to fix a situation after an argument or misunderstanding.
9. Make It Right
Meaning: To correct a mistake and apologize for it.
Example Sentence:
- “I know I upset you, and I’ll do my best to make it right.”
- “After the misunderstanding, he wanted to make it right with his friend.”
Other ways to say: Correct the wrong, make amends.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase is often used when someone wants to fix something they did wrong.
Usage: Used when someone wants to correct their mistake and make up for it.
10. Acknowledge Your Mistakes
Meaning: To admit and apologize for the things you did wrong.
Example Sentence:
- “He finally acknowledged his mistakes and apologized for the trouble he caused.”
- “She acknowledged her mistakes and promised to do better next time.”
Other ways to say: Own up to, admit faults.
Fun Fact/Origin: Acknowledging mistakes is an important part of learning and growing.
Usage: Used when someone admits their errors and apologizes for them.
11. Take It on the Chin
Meaning: To accept responsibility for a mistake without complaining.
Example Sentence:
- “After losing the game, he took it on the chin and apologized to his teammates.”
- “She took it on the chin when her project didn’t go well and apologized to the teacher.”
Other ways to say: Face the consequences, take responsibility.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from boxing, where a fighter might get punched in the chin but keeps going.
Usage: Used when someone accepts a mistake without making excuses.
12. Own Up to It
Meaning: To admit something you did wrong and apologize for it.
Example Sentence:
- “You need to own up to it and tell your friend you’re sorry.”
- “She owned up to it and apologized for being rude earlier.”
Other ways to say: Take responsibility, confess.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase is commonly used when someone takes full responsibility for their actions.
Usage: Used when someone admits they were wrong and apologizes.
13. Apologize for the Mistake
Meaning: To admit and say sorry for a mistake.
Example Sentence:
- “I apologize for the mistake I made in your project.”
- “He apologized for the mistake he made during the meeting.”
Other ways to say: Say sorry for the error, admit the fault.
Fun Fact/Origin: A straightforward way of showing regret for an error.
Usage: Commonly used in professional and casual situations.
14. Regret It
Meaning: To feel sorry for something you did and apologize.
Example Sentence:
- “I regret it and I am truly sorry for what happened.”
- “She regrets it and wants to apologize for how she acted.”
Other ways to say: Feel sorry, wish you hadn’t done it.
Fun Fact/Origin: To regret something means to feel bad about it after the fact.
Usage: Used when someone feels sorry for their actions and apologizes.
15. Patch Things Up
Meaning: To fix a relationship by apologizing.
Example Sentence:
- “They had an argument, but they patched things up by talking it out and apologizing.”
- “We need to patch things up after the fight and make amends.”
Other ways to say: Make peace, settle the matter.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea of fixing a broken object, like patching up a tear.
Usage: Used when two people repair their relationship after a conflict.
16. Drop the Ball
Meaning: To make a mistake and apologize for it.
Example Sentence:
- “I dropped the ball on the homework, and I’m sorry.”
- “She dropped the ball during the event planning and apologized to the team.”
Other ways to say: Mess up, make an error.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from sports, where a player might literally drop a ball and fail.
Usage: Used when someone makes a mistake and apologizes.
17. Owning Up
Meaning: To take responsibility for a mistake and apologize.
Example Sentence:
- “He was owning up to his mistakes when he apologized for not finishing his work.”
- “She’s owning up to what she did and wants to make it right.”
Other ways to say: Acknowledge fault, take accountability.
Fun Fact/Origin: This is similar to “owning up to it” and means admitting you were wrong.
Usage: Used when someone takes responsibility for their actions.
18. Swallow Your Pride
Meaning: To apologize, even if it’s hard.
Example Sentence:
- “He had to swallow his pride and apologize for what he said.”
- “She swallowed her pride and said she was sorry for being rude.”
Other ways to say: Be humble, admit fault.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea that pride is hard to swallow, just like a big, tough thing to eat.
Usage: Used when someone apologizes despite their pride getting in the way.
19. Put Your Foot in Your Mouth
Meaning: To accidentally say something wrong and then apologize for it.
Example Sentence:
- “He put his foot in his mouth by making a joke about her outfit, then apologized.”
- “She put her foot in her mouth during the meeting but quickly apologized.”
Other ways to say: Say the wrong thing, make a mistake with words.
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase suggests that putting your foot in your mouth is as bad as making a big mistake.
Usage: Used when you say something wrong and need to apologize.
20. Make Amends
Meaning: To fix a mistake and apologize.
Example Sentence:
- “I want to make amends for what I did to hurt you.”
- “He made amends by apologizing to everyone he offended.”
Other ways to say: Apologize, fix things.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea of improving or correcting an error.
Usage: Used when someone tries to make things right after a mistake.
21. Admit Defeat
Meaning: To accept that you were wrong and apologize.
Example Sentence:
- “After the argument, he had to admit defeat and apologize.”
- “She admitted defeat and said she was sorry for what she did.”
Other ways to say: Give in, accept responsibility.
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase comes from competitive games where someone admits they lost.
Usage: Used when someone admits they were wrong and apologizes.
22. Say It’s My Fault
Meaning: To accept blame and apologize.
Example Sentence:
- “It’s my fault we’re late, and I’m sorry.”
- “She said it’s her fault that the project wasn’t completed on time.”
Other ways to say: Take the blame, admit it.
Fun Fact/Origin: This is a direct way to say that you are responsible for something and regret it.
Usage: Used to admit responsibility for a mistake and apologize.
23. Take a Step Back
Meaning: To reconsider a situation, realize your mistake, and apologize.
Example Sentence:
- “I took a step back and realized I was wrong, so I apologized.”
- “After the argument, she took a step back and apologized for overreacting.”
Other ways to say: Reflect, rethink.
Fun Fact/Origin: Taking a step back means to stop and think about what happened.
Usage: Used when someone thinks about their actions and apologizes.
24. Make Up for It
Meaning: To do something to make up for a mistake and apologize.
Example Sentence:
- “I’ll make up for it by treating you to lunch.”
- “He made up for it by apologizing and helping out more around the house.”
Other ways to say: Make amends, compensate.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea of making things better after making a mistake.
Usage: Used when someone does something to fix a wrong they did.
25. Put Things Right
Meaning: To fix a mistake and apologize.
Example Sentence:
- “I will do what I can to put things right after the misunderstanding.”
- “She tried to put things right by apologizing for being late.”
Other ways to say: Fix things, make amends.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea of correcting a problem or wrong.
Usage: Used when someone works to fix a situation and apologize.
26. Owning the Issue
Meaning: To admit responsibility for a problem and apologize for it.
Example Sentence:
- “He owned the issue and apologized for causing the delay.”
- “She owned the issue with the project and promised to fix it.”
Other ways to say: Take ownership, admit responsibility.
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase emphasizes taking full responsibility for something.
Usage: Used when someone accepts fault and apologizes.
27. Come Clean
Meaning: To tell the truth about something wrong and apologize.
Example Sentence:
- “She finally came clean about the mistake and apologized.”
- “He came clean and admitted he had made the wrong decision.”
Other ways to say: Confess, tell the truth.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase suggests cleaning up a situation by telling the truth.
Usage: Used when someone admits their mistake and apologizes.
28. Apologize for the Trouble
Meaning: To express regret for causing inconvenience or problems.
Example Sentence:
- “I apologize for the trouble I caused earlier today.”
- “He apologized for the trouble he caused with his actions.”
Other ways to say: Apologize for the inconvenience, say sorry for the problems.
Fun Fact/Origin: This is often used in formal or polite conversations to express regret for causing trouble.
Usage: Used when someone apologizes for making things difficult for others.
29. Take a Deep Breath and Apologize
Meaning: To calm down, reflect, and then apologize for something wrong you did.
Example Sentence:
- “I had to take a deep breath and apologize for my behavior.”
- “After a moment of thinking, he took a deep breath and apologized to his friend.”
Other ways to say: Collect yourself, calm down and apologize.
Fun Fact/Origin: The deep breath helps clear your mind before you admit your mistake.
Usage: Used when someone needs to pause, reflect, and then apologize.
30. Face the Music
Meaning: To accept the consequences of your actions and apologize.
Example Sentence:
- “He had to face the music and apologize for breaking the vase.”
- “She faced the music and admitted she had made a mistake.”
Other ways to say: Accept the consequences, take responsibility.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea of facing a difficult or uncomfortable situation.
Usage: Used when someone admits they were wrong and apologizes.
31. Fix Your Mistake
Meaning: To correct something you did wrong and apologize.
Example Sentence:
- “I’ll fix my mistake by apologizing and helping out more.”
- “She promised to fix her mistake and make it up to her friend.”
Other ways to say: Correct the error, make things right.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase suggests taking action to repair a wrong.
Usage: Used when someone works to fix what they did wrong and apologizes.
32. Apologize for Your Actions
Meaning: To admit that what you did was wrong and apologize.
Example Sentence:
- “I apologize for my actions and the hurt they caused.”
- “He apologized for his actions and promised to behave better.”
Other ways to say: Admit your fault, acknowledge your mistake.
Fun Fact/Origin: This is a direct way of saying you are sorry for what you did.
Usage: Used when someone apologizes for their specific actions.
33. Eat Your Words
Meaning: To take back something you said and apologize for it.
Example Sentence:
- “After calling her a liar, he had to eat his words and apologize.”
- “She ate her words and said sorry after the argument.”
Other ways to say: Take it back, retract your statement.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase means that what you said was so wrong that you wish you could take it back.
Usage: Used when you apologize for saying something hurtful or wrong.
34. Show Remorse
Meaning: To express deep regret for a mistake and apologize.
Example Sentence:
- “He showed remorse for his actions and apologized sincerely.”
- “She showed remorse for missing the meeting and promised to be on time next time.”
Other ways to say: Express regret, feel sorry.
Fun Fact/Origin: Remorse means a deep feeling of regret, often followed by an apology.
Usage: Used when someone feels really bad about what they did and apologizes.
35. Take the High Road
Meaning: To act in a moral way and apologize, even if it’s difficult.
Example Sentence:
- “He took the high road and apologized even though he didn’t feel he was at fault.”
- “She took the high road and said sorry to avoid further arguments.”
Other ways to say: Be the bigger person, act morally.
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea of taking a better path or higher moral ground in a situation.
Usage: Used when someone apologizes in a tough situation, even if they didn’t start the conflict.
36. Give an Apology
Meaning: To formally say sorry for a wrong you did.
Example Sentence:
- “He gave an apology for his behavior during the meeting.”
- “She gave an apology for being rude to her friend.”
Other ways to say: Apologize, say sorry.
Fun Fact/Origin: A formal way of admitting a mistake and asking for forgiveness.
Usage: Used when someone formally or publicly apologizes for their actions.
37. Say I’m Sorry
Meaning: A simple way to apologize.
Example Sentence:
- “I’m sorry for what I said earlier.”
- “He said he’s sorry for breaking the toy.”
Other ways to say: Apologize, express regret.
Fun Fact/Origin: One of the most basic and common ways to apologize.
Usage: Used in casual situations when you want to say sorry.
38. Apologize in Person
Meaning: To apologize face-to-face rather than through a message or letter.
Example Sentence:
- “She decided to apologize in person to her friend for the argument.”
- “It’s better to apologize in person than just send a text.”
Other ways to say: Apologize face-to-face, say sorry in person.
Fun Fact/Origin: Apologizing in person is often seen as more sincere.
Usage: Used when you want to make a personal and sincere apology.
Quiz: Idioms About Apologies
Question Key
1. What does the idiom “eat your words” mean?
A) To apologize for saying something wrong
B) To refuse to apologize
C) To admit you were right
2. What does it mean to “make up for it”?
A) To fix a mistake and say sorry
B) To lie about what happened
C) To ignore the situation
3. If someone “takes a step back,” what are they doing?
A) Apologizing for their mistake
B) Stopping to think about their actions
C) Running away from the problem
4. What does it mean when someone “shows remorse”?
A) They express regret for what they did
B) They forget they made a mistake
C) They get angry about the situation
5. If you “admit defeat,” what are you doing?
A) Saying you were wrong and apologizing
B) Winning an argument
C) Ignoring the problem
6. What does “put things right” mean?
A) To apologize and fix the problem
B) To pretend nothing happened
C) To leave the situation as it is
7. If you “take the high road,” what are you doing?
A) Apologizing in a polite and moral way
B) Fighting back
C) Ignoring the other person
8. What does it mean to “come clean”?
A) To confess the truth and apologize
B) To clean up your mess
C) To act as if nothing happened
9. When you “face the music,” what are you doing?
A) Apologizing for what you did wrong
B) Enjoying a concert
C) Leaving the scene
10. What does it mean to “give an apology”?
A) To formally say sorry for your actions
B) To forget about the problem
C) To shout at someone
Answer Key
- A – To apologize for saying something wrong
- A – To fix a mistake and say sorry
- B – Stopping to think about their actions
- A – They express regret for what they did
- A – Saying you were wrong and apologizing
- A – To apologize and fix the problem
- A – Apologizing in a polite and moral way
- A – To confess the truth and apologize
- A – Apologizing for what you did wrong
- A – To formally say sorry for your actions
Wrapping Up
Apologies are an important part of our relationships with others. Understanding idioms about apologizing helps us express ourselves in a clear and thoughtful way when we make mistakes. These phrases, like “owning the issue” or “making up for it,” can help us communicate our regrets and show that we care.
Remember, using the right apology can make a big difference in fixing a problem. Whether it’s saying “I’m sorry” or “taking the high road,” knowing how to apologize can help you build better connections with others. Keep practicing these idioms, and you’ll be able to express your feelings with confidence!
