bite one's lip
Suppress an outburst
To bite one's lip is to suppress an emotional response—holding back words, tears, or laughter that want to escape.
The image is of physically restraining oneself: She bit her lip to keep from crying.
Often implies visible effort at self-control: I had to bite my lip not to say something I'd regret.
- silenceTotal lack of sound
- keeping quietRemaining silent
- composureEmotional self-control
- poker faceIntentionally expressionless look
- diplomacyNegotiation between nations
counting to ten · self-control · tactfulness · hesitation · patience · stoicism · withholding · equanimity · deference · reticence · fortitude · conflict avoidance · swallowing pride · discretion · politeness · temperance · muteness · awkward silence
bite one's lipspeak one's mind
State opinions openly
speak freely · let it out · sound off · speak up · blurt out
bite one's lipexplode
Burst with sudden force
lose one's temper · blow up · let it all out · lash out · fly off the handle
bite one's lipspeak one's mind
State opinions openly
confront · call out · have it out · give someone a piece of one's mind · stand up to