Eat dirt Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Humiliation Emphasis The phrase is often used to highlight a strong sense of humiliation or embarrassment. After losing the debate, he had to eat dirt. Pro Tip 2/3Power Dynamics Usually implies a power imbalance where the person eating dirt is in a lower position. The boss's criticism made her eat dirt. Pro Tip 3/3Confrontational Contexts Often used in contexts where there's a confrontation or a mistake has been made. He talked big but ended up eating dirt.