While the exact origin isn't documented, it's likely to have originated from the idea that stepping on something with your big toe is both painful and embarrassing.
Here's a breakdown of why it makes sense:
* Big toe: The largest and most prominent toe, making it the one most likely to cause trouble.
* Putting your big toe in it: Suggests a clumsy and awkward action that leads to a mistake.
The phrase is often used humorously, but it can also be used to describe a serious error.
There is no evidence that the phrase has a specific historical origin or connection to a particular event. It likely evolved naturally from the common experience of stepping on something with your big toe and feeling foolish.