- Meaning
- This idiom means to refrain from speaking or to hold back from saying something, especially to avoid offense, argument, or revealing a secret. It suggests self-restraint in conversation, often used as a command or advice to stay silent in delicate situations.
- Origin
- The phrase likely originates from the physical act of biting one’s tongue to prevent speech, a gesture associated with restraint since medieval times. An early use appears in Shakespeare’s *Henry VI, Part 2* (1591): ‘Bite thy tongue.’ By the 17th century, it was a common proverb, as seen in John Ray’s 1678 *English Proverbs*. Its use grew in the 19th century, particularly in British literature, to describe social tact or secrecy, reflecting norms of polite restraint.
- Variants
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- Bite your tongue
- Hold your tongue
- Examples
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- Bite your tongue—she doesn’t need to hear your opinion right now.
- He bit his tongue to avoid arguing with his boss during the meeting.
- I had to bite my tongue when she started bragging about her promotion.
- Bite your tongue and don’t spill the surprise party plans!
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