Definition

Noun Phrase: - A public display of extreme remorse, repentance, or grief: This idiom refers to an outward, often exaggerated, show of deep sorrow, regret, or penitence for one's sins or wrongdoings. It originates from the ancient practice of wearing coarse sackcloth and sprinkling ashes on one's head as a sign of mourning or contrition.

Usage Examples

• Noun Phrase:
  • After the scandal, the CEO appeared before the press in sackcloth and ashes, begging for public forgiveness.
  • You don't need to go around in sackcloth and ashes for a simple mistake; just apologize and move on.
  • His speech was full of sackcloth and ashes, but few believed his remorse was genuine.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is almost always used figuratively in modern English. It describes a performative or symbolic act of contrition, rather than a literal one.
• It often carries a slight nuance of skepticism or criticism, suggesting the display might be excessive or insincere.
  • The politician's sackcloth and ashes routine fooled no one after the corruption was exposed.

Variants and Related Words

• Penitence (n): The action of feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentance.
• Contrition (n): The state of feeling remorseful and penitent.
• Mea culpa (n): An admission of one's own fault or error. (A Latin phrase often used in English.)

Synonyms

• Public penitence
• Show of remorse
• Act of contrition

Related Idioms

• To wear a hair shirt: To subject oneself to hardship or discomfort as a form of penance or remorse. (This shares the theme of self-punishment for wrongdoing.)
• To eat humble pie: To make a humble apology and accept humiliation.

Noun

1. a display of extreme remorse or repentance or grief