Hold your tongue Meaning in English
expression
HOHLD yor TUNG
HOHLD yaw TUNG
Definition
This expression means to stop yourself from speaking, especially to avoid saying something rude or inappropriate.
Usage & Nuances
Idiom, can sound old-fashioned or commanding. Used when someone is about to say something they shouldn't. Similar to 'bite your tongue'; more direct and sometimes harsh.
Spanish: cállate - guarda silencioPortuguese (BR): segure a língua - fique quietoPortuguese (PT): segura a língua - fica caladoChinese (Simplified): 闭嘴 - 保持沉默Chinese (Traditional): 閉嘴 - 保持沉默Hindi: चुप रहो - अपनी ज़ुबान रोक लोArabic: اصمت - كتم لسانكBengali: জিভ সামলানো - মুখ বন্ধ রাখাRussian: прикуси язык - держать язык за зубамиJapanese: 口をつぐむ - 黙るVietnamese: giữ miệng - im lặngKorean: 말을 삼키다 - 입을 다물다Turkish: dilini tutmak - susmakUrdu: زبان روک لینا - خاموش رہناIndonesian: menahan mulut - diam
Example Sentences
Please hold your tongue if you cannot be polite.
basic
He had to hold his tongue during the meeting.
basic
Sometimes it's better to hold your tongue rather than argue.
basic
You should have held your tongue when he started yelling.
natural
If you can't say anything nice, just hold your tongue.
natural
My mom gave me a look to tell me to hold my tongue.
natural