What is the meaning of "humble pie"?

[Dora]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #268 "Eating Idioms", question 5

You'll have to eat humble pie -- means: You'll have to ..........

(a) admit your're wrong
(b) say that again
(c) swallow it quickly
(d) eat it again

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #268 "Eating Idioms", answer 5

You'll have to eat humble pie -- means: You'll have to admit your're wrong.

Correct answer: (a) admit your're wrong
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What is the meaning of "humble pie"?

Dora

[Alan]

hi,

'Humble pie' in the past was pie made of inferior/less expensive pieces of meat from an animal and thus eaten by poorer people. From that comes the expression: forced to eat humble pie, suggesting that you have to be 'humbled' 'humiliated' and thereby agree that you were wrong.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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