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1-
to spare one's blushes
2-
to make a spectacle of oneself
3-
the ground open up and swallow somebody
4-
(as) red as a beet
5-
(as) red as a cherry
6-
to swallow one's pride
7-
to put one's foot in one's mouth
8-
egg on one's face
9-
to eat dirt
10-
to eat humble pie
11-
red in the face
to [spare|save] {one's} blushes
To spare one's blushes
us flag
/spˈɛɹ sˈeɪv wˈʌnz blˈʌʃᵻz/
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Frase
IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

to avoid doing or saying something that would embarrass someone

example
Ejemplo
click on words
She quickly changed the subject to save his blushes after he made an embarrassing comment.
We try to create a supportive environment in the classroom to spare students' blushes during presentations.
He intervened with a witty remark to save her blushes when she stumbled over her words during the speech.
What is the origin of the idiom "spare one's blushes" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "spare one's blushes" can be traced back to the 16th century in English literature. The word "blush" refers to the reddening of the face due to embarrassment or shame. The idiom "spare one's blushes" emerged as a figurative expression to describe an act of mercy or kindness shown to someone by preventing them from experiencing such embarrassment. It can also be used in formal settings, such as a professional presentation or public speaking event, where a supportive audience or facilitator may provide assistance or understanding to prevent the speaker from feeling embarrassed.

to [make] a spectacle of {oneself}
To make a spectacle of oneself
us flag
/mˌeɪk ɐ spˈɛktəkəl ʌv wʌnsˈɛlf/
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DisapprovingDisapproving
IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

to behave in a very foolish and embarrassing way in the presence of others

What is the origin of the idiom "make a spectacle of oneself" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "make a spectacle of oneself" can be traced back to the mid-19th century. The word "spectacle" refers to a visually striking or attention-grabbing event or performance. This expression emerged as a figurative expression to describe an individual's actions or behavior that attract public attention in a manner that is often seen as embarrassing or inappropriate. It is used in various contexts and occasions where someone wants to describe or criticize a person's attention-seeking or embarrassing behavior.

the (ground|floor|earth) [open] up and [swallow] {sb}
The ground open up and swallow somebody
us flag
/ðə ɡɹˈaʊnd flˈoːɹ ˈɜːθ ˈoʊpən ˌʌp ænd swˈɑːloʊ ˌɛsbˈiː/
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IdiomIdiom

used to wish that one could disappear or not have existed at all so as not to have to tolerate such embarrassment

What is the origin of the idiom "the ground open up and swallow someone" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "the ground open up and swallow someone" can be traced back to biblical references. The phrase draws inspiration from passages in the Bible where the ground opened up and swallowed rebellious individuals as a divine punishment. This phrase is commonly used when discussing situations where someone has made a significant mistake, committed a social faux pas, or experienced a public failure, resulting in a profound sense of shame or embarrassment.

(as|) red as a beet
(as) red as a beet
us flag
/æz ɹˈɛd æz ɐ bˈiːt/
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IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

turning red in the face out of embarrassment

What is the origin of the idiom "red as a beet" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "red as a beet" is not definitively known, but it likely comes from the observation of the physical reaction of a person's face turning red when experiencing embarrassment or shame. The comparison to a beet, a vegetable with a naturally reddish color, serves as a vivid and relatable metaphor to describe the flushed complexion that can occur in such situations. It can also be used to describe situations where someone is confronted with unexpected attention, criticism, or humiliation.

(as|) red as a cherry
(as) red as a cherry
us flag
/æz ɔːɹ ɹˈɛd æz ɐ tʃˈɛɹi/
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IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

used to describe someone who is extremely red in the face due to embarrassment

What is the origin of the idiom "red as a cherry" and when to use it?

The phrase "red as a cherry" likely originated from the observation of cherries' bright red color, and it is now used figuratively to describe a flushed or reddened complexion, particularly in moments of embarrassment or shame. The comparison to a cherry creates a visual image of a person's face turning red, emphasizing visible signs of emotional discomfort. This phrase is often used to describe embarrassing moments, social blunders, romantic encounters, or situations where someone feels exposed or caught off guard. It can also be used to convey the feeling of being the center of attention or experiencing a sudden rush of emotions.

to [swallow] {one's} pride
To swallow one's pride
us flag
/swˈɑːloʊ wˈʌnz pɹˈaɪd/
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IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

to have no choice but to do something that is embarrassing in one's standards

What is the origin of the idiom "swallow one's pride" and when to use it?

The idiom "swallow one's pride" likely stems from the association between swallowing and the act of suppressing or overcoming one's pride or ego. Swallowing is often associated with a physical action of taking something into the body, and in this case, it symbolizes the internal process of accepting a situation or humbling oneself. This phrase is often used in interpersonal relationships, conflicts, or professional settings where individuals recognize the importance of humility, compromise, or maintaining harmony.

to [put] {one's} foot in {one's} mouth
To put one's foot in one's mouth
us flag
/pˌʊt wˈʌnz fˈʊt ɪn wˈʌnz mˈaʊθ/
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Frase
DisapprovingDisapproving
IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

to do or say something that leads to someone's embarrassment

What is the origin of the idiom "put one's foot in one's mouth" and when to use it?

The idiom "put one's foot in one's mouth" likely stems from the image of someone physically inserting their foot into their own mouth, which is a physically awkward and impossible action. The phrase gained popularity and became established in the English language during the 20th century, reflecting the concept of verbal blunders or social missteps. It is commonly employed in informal settings, such as casual conversations, social gatherings, or everyday interactions. This phrase is often used when someone speaks without thinking, makes a thoughtless comment, or inadvertently offends others.

[egg] (on|all over) {one's} [face]
egg on one's face
us flag
/hæv ɡɛt ˈɛɡ ˌɑːn ˈɔːl ˌoʊvɚ wˈʌnz fˈeɪs/
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DisapprovingDisapproving
IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

a situation in which one is badly embarrassed because of what one did or said

What is the origin of the idiom "egg on one's face" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "egg on one's face" can be traced back to the world of entertainment, specifically vaudeville and slapstick comedy routines. In these performances, it was common for actors or comedians to engage in humorous or exaggerated mishaps that would result in them having eggs thrown at them or smashed onto their faces. This act was intended to elicit laughter from the audience by portraying the character as clumsy, foolish, or deserving of ridicule. It is often employed in informal settings, such as social interactions, personal blunders, or professional mishaps. This expression is commonly used when someone's mistakes or errors become widely known or visible, causing them to appear foolish, incompetent, or deserving of ridicule.

to [eat] dirt
To eat dirt
us flag
/ˈiːt dˈɜːt/
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to regret or feel bad about what one has said earlier

to [eat] humble pie
To eat humble pie
us flag
/ˈiːt hˈʌmbəl pˈaɪ/
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Frase
DisapprovingDisapproving
IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

to admit one's mistakes or accept a humiliating situation or defeat

What is the origin of the idiom "eat humble pie" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "eat humble pie" can be traced back to medieval times in England. During that time, a dish called "umbles" was commonly eaten by lower-class people. "Umbles" referred to the edible organs of an animal, particularly the heart, liver, and other offal. These parts were considered less desirable and were often consumed by servants, peasants, or hunters who couldn't afford the more prized cuts of meat. This expression is commonly used in personal interactions, professional settings, or even in public discourse when someone's pride or hubris has been challenged, and they are compelled to face the consequences or make amends for their actions.

red in the face
Red in the face
us flag
/ɹˈɛd ɪnðə fˈeɪs/
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Frase

feeling severely ashamed or embarrassed

What is the origin of the idiom "red in the face" and when to use it?

The idiom "red in the face" has been in use since at least the 19th century, and it is believed to have originated from observations of people's facial color changes when experiencing strong emotions or exertion. This phrase can be applied to personal interactions, such as when someone is caught in a lie, publicly criticized, or experiencing humiliation.

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Aprendiste 11 palabras de Shame & Embarrassment. Para mejorar el aprendizaje y revisar el vocabulario, ¡comienza a practicar!

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