bites tongue
- holds backRestrains or delays
- restrainsHolds back or controls
- silenceTotal lack of sound
- regretSorrow over past actions
- self-controlAbility to restrain impulses
winces · bleeds · painful · ouch · sharp · teeth · cheek · bitten · stifles · suppresses · unspoken · frustration · patience · diplomacy · tactful · sarcasm · retort · swallowed
verbal restraint vs. expression
bites tonguespeaks one's mind
Expresses honest opinion directly
speaks up · blurts out · vents · sounds off · expresses oneself
conflict avoidance vs. confrontation
bites tongueconfronts
Addresses a problem directly
calls out · has it out · engages · pushes back · stands one's ground
diplomacy vs. bluntness
bites tonguetells it like it is
Speaks with brutal candor
confronts · puts someone in their place · shoots from the hip · stirs the pot · makes a scene