Hold your tongue
(To remain silent)
Comes from the idea of physically holding one's tongue to prevent speaking.
Please hold your tongue during the meeting.
📖 Meanings
- 1.
To stop talking
- 2.
To refrain from speaking
- 3.
To keep quiet
- 4.
To not say anything
💬 Examples
- 1.
I had to hold my tongue to avoid an argument.
- 2.
It's better to hold your tongue than to say something hurtful.
- 3.
She had to hold her tongue to avoid revealing the surprise.
- 4.
Hold your tongue if you don't have anything nice to say.
🗞️ Etymology
- 1.
The phrase reflects the idea of holding back one's words or opinions.
- 2.
Used to advise someone to be quiet or stop talking.
- 3.
Derived from the physical act of refraining from speaking.
- 4.
Originates from the concept of restraining speech or controlling one's words.