- To suppress your feelings of arrogance or self-importance and accept something humiliating, embarrassing, or contrary to your desires.
- Often done out of necessity or for a greater good.
Explanation
Origin
- Metaphorical. Pride is envisioned as something physical inside you that you might want to express (like speaking out or refusing) but instead, you force it down your throat ('swallow' it) and keep it hidden.
- Implies an uncomfortable or difficult act of suppressing one's ego.
- In use since at least the 19th century.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Suck it up (Harsh, focuses on enduring without complaint)
- Eat crow (American slang, similar to 'eat humble pie', admit error)
Milder/More Neutral:
- Put your ego aside.
- Be the bigger person. (Implying rising above petty feelings)
- Accept the situation.
Situational Appropriateness
- Appropriate in informal to semi-formal contexts.
- Common when giving advice about navigating difficult interpersonal or professional situations where ego might be a barrier.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The literal image is strange. Learners need to grasp the metaphorical sense of suppressing ego or arrogance.
Examples
- He had to swallow his pride and apologize, even though he felt he was right.
- After losing the bet, she had to swallow her pride and wear the rival team's jersey.
- Sometimes you have to swallow your pride and ask for help.
Dialogue
Employee A: The boss completely rejected my idea and used Sarah's instead. I don't want to work on her project now.
Employee B: I get that it stings, but we need this project to succeed. You might have to swallow your pride and contribute your best effort anyway.
Employee A: (Sighs) You're right. It's just frustrating.
Employee B: I know. But it's the professional thing to do.
Social Media Examples
- Advice Post: Sometimes you have to swallow your pride and apologize first, even if you weren't entirely wrong. It can save a relationship. #Communication #Relationships
- Personal Tweet: Had to swallow my pride and ask my parents for a loan. Not ideal, but necessary right now. #AdultingIsHard
- Comment: He really should swallow his pride and admit he made a mistake.
Response Patterns
- (If advised to do so) I know, but it's hard. / Okay, I'll do it. / Do I really have to?
- (If describing someone else) That must have been difficult for them. / Good for them for doing it.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone has to swallow their pride:
- Action: Might offer sympathy or acknowledgment of the difficulty.
After advising someone to swallow their pride:
- Ask: Do you think you can do that?
- Action: Offer support or reasoning why it's necessary.
Conversation Starter
- No. It's advice or a description of an action taken in a difficult situation.
Intonation
- Often said with a tone of resignation, reluctance, or as serious advice. Stress usually on swallow and pride. SWALLOW your PRIDE.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.