Meaning
To prevent yourself from saying something, especially something rude or inappropriate.
Cultural Background
In British culture, 'biting your tongue' is often associated with the 'stiff upper lip'—the idea of not showing emotion or complaining. In the US, it is often used in professional settings to describe 'picking your battles'.
Use it for conflict
This is your go-to phrase for any situation where you are choosing peace over being 'right'.
Meaning
To prevent yourself from saying something, especially something rude or inappropriate.
Use it for conflict
This is your go-to phrase for any situation where you are choosing peace over being 'right'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
I really wanted to tell him he was wrong, but I had to ____ my tongue.
The idiom is 'to bite your tongue'.
Which situation is best for this idiom?
When is it appropriate to 'bite your tongue'?
It is used for self-restraint in communication.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
2 exercisesI really wanted to tell him he was wrong, but I had to ____ my tongue.
The idiom is 'to bite your tongue'.
When is it appropriate to 'bite your tongue'?
It is used for self-restraint in communication.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsYes, it is very rude. It is a command to be quiet.
Related Phrases
Hold your tongue
synonymTo stay quiet.
Keep your mouth shut
similarTo not speak.
