mettre les pieds dans le plat

You use this expression with the verb mettre. It follows standard conjugation rules. You can say j'ai mis les pieds dans le plat for the past tense. It usually describes a moment of social clumsiness. You can use it to apologize or to describe someone else's lack of filter. It is a vivid way to paint a picture of a social 'oops' moment.

Use it when someone reveals a secret by accident. It is perfect for when a friend mentions an ex-boyfriend in front of a new partner. You can use it at work if a colleague mentions a cancelled project to the boss. It works well in any situation where a sensitive subject is brought up too bluntly. It is great for storytelling among friends. Use it to add flavor to your descriptions of awkward encounters.

Do not use this for physical clumsiness. If you actually trip over a rug, this phrase does not apply. Avoid using it in very formal, high-stakes diplomatic settings. It is a bit too colorful for a legal deposition. Also, do not use it if someone is being intentionally mean. This phrase implies a lack of tact, not necessarily malice. If someone is being a jerk on purpose, use a different term.

The phrase dates back to the 19th century. In old French, a plat could refer to a shallow part of a body of water. If you stepped there, you would stir up the mud and make the water cloudy. Over time, the image shifted to a literal dinner plate or dish. The idea remains the same: you are making a mess where things should be clean and clear. It reflects the French value placed on 'savoir-faire' and social grace.

You will mostly hear the full version: mettre les pieds dans le plat. Sometimes people just say il a mis les pieds dedans if the context is clear. You might also hear faire une gaffe, which is a simpler way to say you made a mistake. However, mettre les pieds dans le plat is much more descriptive. It implies a certain level of 'bigness' to the blunder. It is the 'heavy-duty' version of a social mistake.