This purely American expression means to admit the losing of an argument, especially in regard to a detail; to retract; to admit defeat. It is over a hundred years old. Andrew Stewart, a member of Congress, is said to have mentioned it in a speech in 1828. He said that haystacks and cornfields were sent by Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky to Philadelphia and New York. Charles A. Wickliffe, a member from Kentucky questioned the statement by commenting that haystacks and cornfields could not walk. Stewart then pointed out that he did not mean literal haystacks and cornfields, but the horses, mules, and hogs for which the hay and corn were raised. Wickliffe then rose to his feet, and said, “Mr. Speaker, I acknowledge the corn”
Funk, Earle. “A Hog on Ice and Other Curious Expressions”
I look forward to an opportunity to use this phrase in daily discourse. Fittingly to divert attention from not understanding a particular point. Perhaps during a job interview?
Since they alternate between corn and soy bean here, you can also acknowledge the soy… 😉