weigh one's words
Consider before speaking
To weigh one's words is to choose them carefully, considering their potential impact before speaking or writing.
The expression suggests deliberation and caution, as if each word were being placed on a scale to measure its appropriateness.
Someone who weighs their words avoids saying anything rash, offensive, or easily misunderstood.
She weighed her words before responding to the accusation.
The phrase often appears in contexts involving diplomacy, delicate negotiations, or emotionally charged conversations.
- tactSensitivity in speech
- articulationClear vocal expression
- deliberationCareful weighing of choices
- prudenceCareful, wise judgment
- discretionCareful judgment in speech
think before speaking · diplomacy · diplomatic language · diction · self-regulation · bite one's tongue · hold one's peace · mindfulness · read the room · clarity · caution · empathy · nuance · evaluation · phrasing · forethought · respectfulness · sensitivity
weigh one's wordsblurt out
Utter suddenly, impulsively
shoot from the hip · spout off · run one's mouth · mouth off · pop off
weigh one's wordsnot mince words
put one's foot in one's mouth · speak one's mind · tell it like it is · speak out of turn · lay it on the line
weigh one's wordsramble
Move or speak without direction
babble · prattle · blather · run off at the mouth · talk a blue streak
weigh, words, word, weight, weighty, weightless, weightiness, weighted, weighting