hold tongue
Keep from speaking
To hold one's tongue is to refrain from speaking, especially when tempted to say something inappropriate, hurtful, or unwise: I wanted to argue but held my tongue.
The phrase implies deliberate restraint—biting back words that might cause trouble.
Hold your tongue as a command is an old-fashioned way of telling someone to be quiet.
- silenceTotal lack of sound
- keep mumRemain silent intentionally
- hushAbsence of sound
- muteWithout voice or sound
- zip itCommand to stop speaking
button it · restrain · shush · keep quiet · quiet · suppress · repress · stifle · choke back · bite back · swallow · gag · muzzle · censor · secret · discretion · think twice · tactful
hold tonguespeak up
Talk louder or opine
speak out · blurt out · talk · voice · express oneself
hold tonguelash out
Attack abruptly in anger
explode · snap · fly off the handle · lose one's temper · go off
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