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Processed with VS1Choose careful expressions for an accidental remark, a misrepresented statement, and harsh criticism.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThis episode uses mouth imagery for speaking, sharing, and reacting. The lesson focuses on regretting an awkward remark, falsely attributing words to another person, criticizing someone, and describing a public spokesperson. It avoids phrases already taught elsewhere and separates idiomatic speech from literal anatomy.
Cultural note: “Bad-mouth” and “mouth off” can sound accusatory. “Put your foot in your mouth” is often self-deprecating; it can soften an apology, but should not replace one when a comment caused real harm. Calling a person or outlet “a mouthpiece” can imply that it repeats another party’s views without independent judgment.
Keep exploringThe same body-part word can describe awkward speech, unfair attribution, or speaking on behalf of an organization.
Phrase guide · 4 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Acknowledge a tactless or awkward comment.
Meaning
Say something awkward, tactless, or embarrassing by mistake.
Tone & use
Informal and often self-deprecating. If the remark hurt someone, acknowledge its effect directly rather than treating the idiom as a complete apology.
Example
“I put my foot in my mouth when I asked about the event before I knew it had been canceled.”
Set a boundary when someone misstates what you said.
Meaning
Claim that someone said something they did not say, or add a meaning they did not intend.
Tone & use
Direct and often confrontational. A calmer correction can be “That isn’t quite what I said.”
Example
“Please do not put words in my mouth; I said we should review the plan, not reject it.”
Distinguish harsh criticism from speaking on behalf of an organization.
Meaning
Speak critically or disrespectfully about someone.
Tone & use
Informal and negative. It can refer to unfair gossip, but a specific, truthful concern raised through the right channel is not automatically gossip.
Example
“Instead of bad-mouthing the contractor in the group chat, the neighbors documented the unfinished repairs.”
Meaning
A spokesperson or source that publicly expresses an organization’s views.
Tone & use
Can be neutral when describing an official spokesperson, but it often implies that a person or media outlet repeats another party’s message without independent judgment.
Example
“The agency named its communications director as the public mouthpiece for the new policy.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
Try it · Choose the best expression
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