Bite your lip

Meaning
This idiom describes suppressing one’s emotions, words, or reactions, often to avoid conflict or maintain decorum, as if physically biting one’s lip to stay silent. It conveys self-restraint or endurance in the face of provocation, used in personal, social, or professional contexts to highlight the effort of holding back. The phrase carries a tone of discipline, tension, or quiet suffering, reflecting cultural values of composure and the human tendency to mask feelings for social harmony. Its physical imagery evokes a visceral act of control, resonating in scenarios like heated arguments or delicate negotiations. The idiom underscores the struggle between expression and restraint, making it a poignant metaphor for emotional self-management.
Origin
The phrase likely originated in 16th-century England, rooted in physical expressions of restraint, as biting one’s lip was a visible sign of holding back speech or tears. Its earliest recorded use appears in William Shakespeare’s *The Taming of the Shrew* (1590), where characters ‘bite their lips’ to suppress anger. The idiom gained traction in 19th-century British literature, particularly in Jane Austen’s *Pride and Prejudice* (1813), which used it to depict emotional restraint. Its spread was amplified in the 20th century through etiquette manuals and media, notably in British and American dramas depicting social tension. Its adoption across English-speaking cultures, especially in Britain and the U.S., stems from its evocative imagery and applicability to moments of suppressed emotion, from personal disputes to diplomatic silence.
Variants
  • Bite your tongue
  • Biting your lip
  • Hold your lip
Examples
  • She had to bite her lip to keep from laughing during the serious meeting.
  • Biting your tongue won’t help; you need to speak up about the issue.
  • He bit his lip when his boss criticized his work unfairly.
  • Bite your lip and stay calm, even if they provoke you.
  • She was biting her lip, trying not to cry during the farewell speech.
  • Holding his lip, he avoided arguing with the rude customer.