bite one's tongue
Hold back words
To bite one's tongue is to hold back from saying something, usually with effort.
The image is of physically restraining speech: I wanted to tell him he was wrong, but I bit my tongue.
Often implies suppressing criticism, anger, or an unwelcome truth to keep the peace or avoid consequences.
- keep quietRemain silent
- keep mumRemain silent intentionally
- keep one's mouth shutRemain silent deliberately
- hold backPrevent forward movement
- clam upAbruptly stop speaking
self-control · suppress · zip it · diplomacy · politeness · silence · impulse control · count to ten · think before speaking · self-censorship · hush up · discretion · tact · grit one's teeth · patience · prudence · hold one's peace · swallow one's words
bite one's tonguespeak one's mind
State opinions openly
speak freely · speak up · let it out · sound off · speak out
bite one's tonguetell it like it is
Speak with complete candor
not mince words · call a spade a spade · lay it on the line · shoot from the hip · pull no punches
bite one's tongueconfront
Face squarely, address directly
speak truth to power · give someone a piece of one's mind · have it out · lash out · let loose
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