FrenchRavaler ses paroles
Meaning: To take back what one has said; also, to hold back words one was about to say.
Literally: To swallow one's words back down
Example: “Il disait que je n'y arriverais jamais ; mon diplôme en poche, je lui ai fait ravaler ses paroles.” — He said I'd never make it; with my diploma in hand, I made him eat his words.
English equivalent: To eat one's words
Origin: Built on ravaler, literally "to swallow again": the words are pictured as pushed back down the throat. The Littré dictionary records both senses — stopping short of saying something, and retracting insulting remarks made against someone — and it is common as faire ravaler ses paroles à quelqu'un, to force someone to take back what they said.
Equivalents in other languages
English: eat one's words
More French idioms
- Avoir la grosse tête Being arrogant, conceited, or thinking highly of oneself.
- Faire un bide Experiencing complete failure or lack of success.
- Avoir la chair de poule Experiencing fear, cold, or emotional reaction causing skin reaction.
- Crier sur les toits To announce something loudly and publicly, for everyone to hear.
- Mettre le doigt sur la plaie Identifying the exact problem or sensitive issue in a situation.
- Faire un poisson d'avril To play an April Fools' prank on someone.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Tu as le vent en poupe Everything is going your way — you're riding a wave of momentum and success.
- Tu es un as You're brilliant at what you do — the very best.
- Tu as de la répartie You're brilliantly quick-witted — always ready with the perfect comeback.
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