watch one's tongue
Guard your words
To watch one's tongue is to be careful about what you say—avoiding offensive remarks, indiscretion, or saying too much: Watch your tongue around Grandma.
The phrase often appears as a warning or rebuke: You'd better watch your tongue, young man.
Sometimes shortened to watch it when the meaning is clear from context.
- censorOne who suppresses content
- filterPorous separation device
- politenessCourteous, respectful conduct
- self-restraintVoluntary impulse control
- tactSensitivity in speech
think before speaking · impulse control · mindfulness · diplomacy · hold back · courtesy · mind your manners · sensitivity · prudence · guarded · awareness · discretion · deliberate · temperance · hold one's peace · button your lip · respect · foresight
watch one's tongueblurt out
Utter suddenly, impulsively
run one's mouth · mouth off · speak freely · spout off · let loose
watch one's tonguespeak out of turn
Talk when one shouldn't
put one's foot in one's mouth · insult · tell it like it is · swear · not mince words
watch one's tonguespill the beans
Reveal confidential information
let the cat out of the bag · blab · gossip · tell all · kiss and tell
watch, watches, watched, watching, watcher, watchers, watchful, watchfully, watchfulness