bite your tongue

What it means

To stop yourself from saying something you really want to say, usually to avoid causing offence or trouble. It suggests deliberate self-restraint in the face of a strong urge to speak.

Examples

• I had to bite my tongue when she criticised my cooking.
• He bit his tongue rather than start an argument at dinner.
• Sometimes you just have to bite your tongue and stay polite.
• She bit her tongue to keep from telling him exactly what she thought.

Where it comes from

A long-standing English expression, used by Shakespeare, from the literal image of pressing or biting down on the tongue to physically keep oneself from speaking.

Related idioms