Bite your tongue
phrase
To avoid speaking, often because it is hard to hide what you really feel or think.
She really wanted to tell her friend the dress didn't suit her, but she bit her tongue.
Often appears as...
- bite your tongue
- she had to bite her tongue
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To stop oneself from saying something you want to say.
He often has to bite his tongue to not divulge the company's secrets.
Often appears as...
- bite your tongue
- i had to bite my tongue
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Literally, to accidentally injure oneself by closing one's teeth forcefully while one's tongue is between them.
She bit her tongue when she fell over.
Often appears as...
- accidentally bite your tongue
- bit my tongue while eating
phrase
To avoid speaking, often because it is hard to hide what you really feel or think.
She really wanted to tell her friend the dress didn't suit her, but she bit her tongue.
Often appears as...
- bite your tongue
- she had to bite her tongue
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To stop oneself from saying something you want to say.
He often has to bite his tongue to not divulge the company's secrets.
Often appears as...
- bite your tongue
- i had to bite my tongue
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Literally, to accidentally injure oneself by closing one's teeth forcefully while one's tongue is between them.
She bit her tongue when she fell over.
Often appears as...
- accidentally bite your tongue
- bit my tongue while eating
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Social Tact
Used to show self-control in social situations by not saying something potentially rude or unnecessary.
When his mother-in-law made a weird comment, he had to bite his tongue.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Restraint
Indicates the effort it takes to not express negative feelings or criticism.
She bit her tongue instead of criticizing her friend's decision.
Pro Tip 3/3Discretion
Emphasizes the importance of keeping information confidential or private.
Despite the urge, he bit his tongue during the meeting.
Pro Tip 1/3Social Tact
Used to show self-control in social situations by not saying something potentially rude or unnecessary.
When his mother-in-law made a weird comment, he had to bite his tongue.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Restraint
Indicates the effort it takes to not express negative feelings or criticism.
She bit her tongue instead of criticizing her friend's decision.
Pro Tip 3/3Discretion
Emphasizes the importance of keeping information confidential or private.
Despite the urge, he bit his tongue during the meeting.
Pro Tip 1/3Social Tact
Used to show self-control in social situations by not saying something potentially rude or unnecessary.
When his mother-in-law made a weird comment, he had to bite his tongue.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Restraint
Indicates the effort it takes to not express negative feelings or criticism.
She bit her tongue instead of criticizing her friend's decision.
Pro Tip 3/3Discretion
Emphasizes the importance of keeping information confidential or private.
Despite the urge, he bit his tongue during the meeting.
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