Signification
To speak carefully or politely.
Contexte culturel
In Pune, known as the cultural capital, speaking with 'refined' language is a point of pride. Using this idiom is a common way to enforce social decorum. In rural areas, this idiom is often used more bluntly and can lead to physical confrontations if used as a challenge between men of equal status. In Mumbai's corporate world, this idiom is the 'unspoken rule' for junior employees when dealing with aggressive clients or senior management. This is a staple line in Marathi 'Tamasha' or commercial plays to create dramatic tension between the hero and the villain.
Tone Matters
If you say this too loudly, it is an insult. If you say it softly, it is advice. Be careful with your volume!
The 'Pajije' Combo
Pair this with 'pajije' (should/must) to sound like a wise advisor: 'तू तोंड सांभाळून बोलले पाहिजे.'
Signification
To speak carefully or politely.
Tone Matters
If you say this too loudly, it is an insult. If you say it softly, it is advice. Be careful with your volume!
The 'Pajije' Combo
Pair this with 'pajije' (should/must) to sound like a wise advisor: 'तू तोंड सांभाळून बोलले पाहिजे.'
Elder Respect
Never use the singular 'bol' with anyone older than you. Always use 'bola'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
रागात असताना नेहमी ____ बोलले पाहिजे.
The idiom 'तोंड सांभाळून' means to speak carefully, which is the best advice for when someone is angry.
Match the situation to the most appropriate use of the phrase.
Situation: You are warning a rude person in a market.
In a direct confrontation, the imperative 'बोल!' is used.
Complete the dialogue.
आई: 'बाहेरच्या लोकांशी भांडू नकोस.' मुलगा: 'पण तो चुकीचे बोलत होता.' आई: 'तरीही तू ____.'
The mother is advising the son to have been more careful/polite despite the provocation.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly in a formal context?
Identify the correct formal usage:
Option B uses the idiom as a general requirement in a professional setting, which is a correct formal application.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesरागात असताना नेहमी ____ बोलले पाहिजे.
The idiom 'तोंड सांभाळून' means to speak carefully, which is the best advice for when someone is angry.
Situation: You are warning a rude person in a market.
In a direct confrontation, the imperative 'बोल!' is used.
आई: 'बाहेरच्या लोकांशी भांडू नकोस.' मुलगा: 'पण तो चुकीचे बोलत होता.' आई: 'तरीही तू ____.'
The mother is advising the son to have been more careful/polite despite the provocation.
Identify the correct formal usage:
Option B uses the idiom as a general requirement in a professional setting, which is a correct formal application.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt depends on who says it. If you say it to a rude person, it's a valid defense. If you say it to someone being polite, it's very rude.
No, it's too idiomatic and informal for an email. Use 'शब्दांची निवड काळजीपूर्वक करावी' (Words should be chosen carefully) instead.
'Tond sambhalne' is about the quality of words (politeness), while 'Jeebh avarne' is often about the quantity (stopping gossip).
Use 'कृपया नम्रपणे बोला' (Please speak humbly) or 'बोलताना थोडी काळजी घ्या' (Take some care while speaking).
Yes, very frequently, especially in realistic fiction and social dramas to depict conflict.
The closest opposite is 'तोंडसुख घेणे' (to speak without any restraint for pleasure).
Only if you want to get in trouble! It sounds like you are lecturing them, which is a big 'no' in Marathi culture.
Primarily yes, but it can be used metaphorically for social media comments or texting.
Yes, 'पाऊल सांभाळून टाकणे' (to place steps carefully/be cautious in life) is another common one.
It will sound like 'sambhalu' (let me guard), which changes the meaning entirely. The 'n' is crucial for the adverbial sense.
Expressions liées
तोंडसुख घेणे
contrastTo criticize someone unrestrainedly for one's own pleasure.
जीभ आवरणे
synonymTo restrain one's tongue.
तोंडात बोट घालणे
similarTo be surprised/speechless.
शब्दाला जागणे
builds onTo keep one's word.
