Mr. Ping, the couple's self-described financial "micromanager," somewhat sheepishly acknowledged that he had yet "to open the packet" from his wife's company.

(Ms. Stevens sheepishly acknowledged that she had forgotten that last answer.)

"The food here is amazing," gushed Mr. Pope, who acknowledged sheepishly that he sometimes takes meals home to his wife.

A top leader sheepishly acknowledges lying and vows that things will change.

Ms. Nemirovskaya, 63, acknowledges sheepishly that when school is not in session, her preferred activity is getting her nails and hair done at a beauty parlor.

After the show, we might sheepishly acknowledge that the old folks sounded pretty good, or not so good.

Some studios have been repackaging older hits into anniversary box sets and other promotions, but consumers may be tiring of that tactic, as studio chiefs sheepishly acknowledge.

Lochte sheepishly acknowledged he had two no-shows.

Some users of dial-up sheepishly acknowledge that they avoid admitting their low network speeds when they are with their better-connected friends.

"If I had forecast growth correctly," he acknowledged sheepishly, "I probably would have gotten those other things wrong."