Have you found yourself apologizing when it’s the last thing you wanted to do? Maybe you had to ask someone for help after saying you could manage on your own. That’s what it means to swallow your pride—and it’s not an easy thing to do. In this post, we’ll explore the meaning, trace the origin, and look at practical examples of this powerful idiom in action.
What “Swallow Your Pride” Really Means
To swallow your pride means to humble yourself, admit a mistake, or accept a situation that may bruise your ego.
Here are a few shades of its meaning:
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Admitting you were wrong or apologizing.
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Accepting advice or assistance you initially rejected.
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Doing something uncomfortable but necessary for peace or progress.
Simply put: It means setting aside your ego for the sake of wisdom, harmony, or growth.
How the Idiom Came to Be
The expression goes back several centuries and uses a vivid image—swallowing something unpleasant. Pride, seen as a feeling of superiority or self-importance, is imagined as something hard to “swallow.”
Writers and preachers in the 1600s and 1700s used similar phrasing to describe suppressing emotions such as anger or arrogance. Over time, “swallow one’s pride” became a popular way to describe accepting humility or embarrassment to do what’s right.
The phrase remains relatable today because everyone knows how difficult it feels to “digest” their pride.
Everyday Examples in Action
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After their disagreement, Jenny decided to swallow her pride and make the first move to reconcile.
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I had to swallow my pride and admit that my student was right about the grammar rule.
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The politician swallowed his pride and apologized publicly for his mistake.
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You may need to swallow your pride if you want to save that partnership.
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He swallowed his pride and accepted the entry-level position to restart his career.
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Sometimes, swallowing your pride is the bravest thing you can do.
Other Idioms with a Similar Spirit
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Eat humble pie – To admit your fault and apologize sincerely.
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Bite the bullet – To face a difficult or unpleasant task with courage.
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Take it on the chin – To accept defeat or criticism without complaint.
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Come down to earth – To become more realistic or humble after feeling proud or superior.
Each of these phrases captures a part of what swallow your pride conveys—humility, self-awareness, and emotional strength.
My Take on This Idiom
I’ve learned that swallowing your pride doesn’t make you weak—it actually shows emotional intelligence. In teaching and in life, I’ve had moments where admitting I was wrong opened doors to better understanding. Pride might feel protective, but humility always builds bridges.
Wrapping It Up
To swallow your pride is to choose humility over ego, courage over stubbornness. It’s a small phrase with a big life lesson: sometimes you grow stronger when you bow your head a little.
Do you use “swallow your pride” in your daily conversations? Share your examples or stories in the comments below!