civil tongue
Respectful way speaking
A civil tongue is polite, restrained speech—the kind that avoids giving offense.
The phrase appears most often in the expression keep a civil tongue in your head, a warning to speak respectfully or face consequences.
Someone who can't keep a civil tongue speaks rudely or provocatively.
Respectful, considerate behavior
- tactSensitivity in speech
- graciousnessCourteous, kind demeanor
- decorumFitting social conduct
- mannersCustoms of polite conduct
cordiality · affability · consideration · propriety · gentility · courteousness · good manners · pleasantries
Yielding to another's judgment
- regardAttentive consideration given
- esteemFavorable opinion of worth
- considerationCareful thought or compensation
- acknowledgmentConfirmation of receipt
dignity · honor · recognition · courtesy · politeness · reverence · appreciation · attentiveness
Ability to restrain impulses
- discretionCareful judgment in speech
- prudenceCareful, wise judgment
- forbearancePatient self-control, delayed enforcement
- composureEmotional self-control
moderation · temperance · reserve · caution · judiciousness · patience · tact · holding back
Skill in sensitive situations
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
- mediationIntervention to resolve conflict
- conciliationResolving disputes through dialogue
- peacemakingResolving conflicts through negotiation
smoothing over · defusing · bridge-building · conflict resolution · peacekeeping · rapprochement · reconciliation · olive branch
courtesy
Respectful, considerate behavior
- tactSensitivity in speech
- graciousnessCourteous, kind demeanor
- decorumFitting social conduct
manners · cordiality · affability · consideration · propriety · gentility · courteousness · good manners · pleasantries · amiability
deference
Yielding to another's judgment
- regardAttentive consideration given
- esteemFavorable opinion of worth
- considerationCareful thought or compensation
acknowledgment · dignity · honor · recognition · courtesy · politeness · reverence · appreciation · attentiveness · mindfulness
self-control
Ability to restrain impulses
- discretionCareful judgment in speech
- prudenceCareful, wise judgment
- forbearancePatient self-control, delayed enforcement
composure · moderation · temperance · reserve · caution · judiciousness · patience · tact · holding back · counting to ten
tactfulness
Skill in sensitive situations
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
- mediationIntervention to resolve conflict
- conciliationResolving disputes through dialogue
peacemaking · smoothing over · defusing · bridge-building · conflict resolution · peacekeeping · rapprochement · reconciliation · olive branch · fence-mending
civil tonguesharp tongue
Tendency toward cutting remarks
sharp words · cutting remarks · biting tongue · harsh words · acid tongue
civil tonguehot temper
Tendency toward quick anger
rants · raving · tongue-lashing · diatribe · harangue
civil, tongue, civility, civilian, civilize, civilized, civilization, civics, civic