hold one's tongue
Bite your lip
To hold one's tongue is to refrain from speaking, especially when tempted to say something inappropriate, angry, or indiscreet: I wanted to argue back but held my tongue.
The phrase implies deliberate restraint—biting back words that might cause trouble.
She held her tongue until the meeting ended, then let him have it.
- zip itCommand to stop speaking
- button your lipCommand to stay quiet
- restraintControl over impulses
- clammed upBecame suddenly silent
- tight-lippedUnwilling to divulge
sealed lips · quiet · patience · hush · mute · discretion · bite · reticence · forbearance · self-control · think twice · tact · politeness · taciturnity · say nothing · silence · temperance · secret
hold one's tonguespeak out
Express opinions openly
speak up · blurt out · speak one's mind · sound off · say one's piece
hold one's tonguespill the beans
Reveal confidential information
let the cat out of the bag · blab · tattle · let slip · gossip