Feelings - Shame & Embarrassment

Explore English idioms regarding shame and embarrassment with examples like "eat humble pie" and "red in the face".

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to [spare|save] {one's} blushes [phrase]

to avoid doing or saying something that would embarrass someone

Ex: He intervened with a witty remark to save her blushes when she stumbled over her words during the speech .

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

Ex: He made a spectacle of himself at the wedding by drunkenly interrupting the speeches .

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

Ex:

(as|) red as a beet [phrase]

turning red in the face out of embarrassment

Ex: I turned red as a beet when I realized I had been talking to the wrong person the entire time .

(as|) red as a cherry [phrase]

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

Ex: I blushed red as a cherry when I accidentally spilled my drink on the restaurant table .

to [swallow] {one's} pride [phrase]

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

Ex: I swallowed my pride and reached out to reconcile with my estranged friend .

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

Ex: I put my foot in my mouth yesterday when I accidentally insulted my friend 's new haircut .

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

Ex: I had egg on my face when my presentation was riddled with errors and inaccuracies .

to [eat] dirt [phrase]

to regret or feel bad about what one has said earlier

Ex: After my negative prediction for the season , I certainly ate dirt when the team started out undefeated .

to [eat] humble pie [phrase]

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

Ex: After losing the debate , he ate humble pie and admitted his arguments were flawed .

red in the face [phrase]

feeling severely ashamed or embarrassed

Ex: He turned red in the face when he realized his mistake .

Feelings
Happiness	Excitement	Sadness or Discontent	Unhappiness & Disappointment
Anger	Rage	Losing One's Temper	Annoyance
Irritation	Fear & Terror	Anticipation	Shame & Embarrassment