wear sackcloth and ashes

wear sackcloth and ashes

To act in a way that shows one's penitence or remorse for one's misdeeds or poor behavior. Darren has been wearing sackcloth and ashes ever since his girlfriend broke up with him for cheating on her. There's no way to turn back time on the way I treated my brother growing up. All I can do now is wear sackcloth and ashes.
See also: and, ash, sackcloth, wear
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • be in (one's) good graces
  • be in somebody's good graces
  • be in someone's good graces
  • at doorstep
  • at (one's) doorstep
  • at (one's) expense
  • at expense
  • at somebody's expense
  • at someone's expense
  • be remembered as/for something
References in periodicals archive
Why wear sackcloth and ashes, when you can hide behind them?
AND A FEW OTHER THINGS..
I do not expect our Taoiseach to wear sackcloth and ashes - but a recognition of the sense of hurt and confusion felt by so many would go a long way to stabilising public sentiment.
The people are impatient.. they demand leadership; Lord Henry VIEW
He also said that the Provos should repent for their actions during the Troubles and 'wear sackcloth and ashes'.
Ulster peace hopes dashed
I am also being asked to wear sackcloth and ashes for suggesting some Tranmere supporters have a less than healthy attitude towards Everton, thus affecting their feelings for Goodison Park legend Watson.
Football: The truth hurts Rovers
Rajam's heroine will not wear sackcloth and ashes. She would rather rebuild her life outside.
Lamps in the Whirlpool
"We will compel the greedy swine who run the gas and electric companies to lower prices, and make them wear sackcloth and ashes every time a pensioner dies from the cold.
Ho Ho Ho.. how I wish this was Gord's word!
Paisley also said the IRA should repent for their actions during the Troubles and 'wear sackcloth and ashes'.
IRA still round peace table