Definition of egg on

The phrases "egg on one's face" and "egg on someone's head" are idioms that are commonly used in English to describe a situation where someone has made an embarrassing or foolish mistake. The exact origin of these expressions is unclear, but there are a few theories that have been proposed. One popular theory is that the phrase "egg on one's face" originated in the 19th century as a result of the way eggs were traditionally served at formal dinners. At these events, the eggs would be served after the meal had already been eaten, and they would often be left over and become hard-boiled and cold. As a result, some guests might attempt to crack these Easter eggs on their faces for entertainment, which would leave them with a rather goofy and humiliating appearance. Another theory is related to the practical joke known as the "egg throw," in which a raw egg would be thrown at a person's face as a prank. This practice became popular in the late 19th century as a way of humiliating and embarrassing individuals, and it may have contributed to the development of the "egg on one's face" expression. The phrase "egg on someone's head" is a more recent variation of the expression, and it is generally believed to have originated in the mid-20th century. The phrase is often used to describe a situation where someone has made a widespread and embarrassing mistake, such as making an incorrect statement in public. The idea here is that the "egg" (i.e., the mistake) is stuck to the person's head, making it difficult to shake off and move forward. Ultimately, the origins of these expressions remain somewhat debated, but they are widely used in English as a way of expressing the solemnity of a particular situation.