holds one's peace
Keeps thoughts inside
To hold one's peace is to remain silent, especially when you might otherwise speak up to object or complain.
The phrase appears in traditional wedding ceremonies—speak now or forever hold your peace—inviting objections before the marriage proceeds.
More broadly, it means choosing not to voice disagreement: I held my peace during the meeting, though I thought the plan was foolish.
- bite one's tongueRefrain from speaking
- mutenessInability to speak
- keep mumRemain silent intentionally
- tactSensitivity in speech
- circumspectionCareful consideration of consequences
zip one's lip · quietude · composure · cool head · decorum · taciturnity · say nothing · discretion · reserve · reticence · self-control · prudence · forbearance · patience · let it go · propriety · restraint · stillness
holds one's peacespeaks up
Vocalizes a view
sounds off · speaks one's mind · says one's piece · chimes in · lets loose
holds one's peaceprotests
Public expressions of opposition
objects · dissents · speaks up · makes a scene · rocks the boat
holds one's peacelets loose
Frees or unburdens
explodes · blows up · loses one's temper · vents · lashes out
hold, holds, holding, holder, holders, holdout, holdover, behold, beholden