bite my lip

USAGE SUMMARY

"bite my lip" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It typically means to physically bite down on one's lower lip, often as a way to control emotions or prevent oneself from saying something. Example: She was so angry, she had to bite her lip to stop herself from yelling at him.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

I bite my lip to keep myself from grinning.

The New Yorker

I had to bite my lip to keep from lashing out; she'd been good to me.

The New Yorker

So next time someone does, I will bite my lip and doff my cap.

The Guardian - Opinion

But I soon learned to bite my lip as I discovered that my views were not politically correct.

The Guardian - Opinion

"If they're not coming my way and someone else is making plays, then I can bite my lip and go on.

The New York Times - Sports

I had to bite my lip at the constant sniping from colleagues about UK media headlines, and comments about how the Brits were the reason for lack of progress.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

I bite my lips, and it drives makeup artists nuts.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I defied the ugly gang to wash my face in the toilets then bite my lips till they were red".

The Guardian - Books

Now whenever I begin to feel the anger rise within me I just bite my lips and do a breathing exercise.

Huffington Post

I bit my lip.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I bit my lip and started clicking around.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bite my lip" to show a character's internal struggle or attempt to remain composed in a tense situation.

Common error

Avoid using "bite my lip" too frequently. Over-reliance on this phrase can make your writing seem unoriginal. Consider alternative ways to convey restraint or suppressed emotion, such as describing physical tension or internal thoughts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bite my lip" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically used to describe the act of suppressing an emotion, reaction, or speech. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used in written English to convey restraint or internal conflict.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bite my lip" is a common and grammatically sound idiom used to describe the act of restraining oneself from expressing emotions or speaking. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, especially in news and media, with a neutral register. When employing this phrase, aim to illustrate internal conflict or controlled composure, and avoid overuse to keep your writing fresh and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold my tongue

Focuses on restraining from speaking, often to avoid conflict.

suppress my reaction

Highlights the act of concealing an emotional or physical response.

hold back my words

Focuses on restraining speech rather than an emotional or physical reaction.

stifle a laugh

Addresses the suppression of laughter, often in an inappropriate setting.

swallow my anger

Directly addresses suppressing feelings of anger or resentment.

refrain from speaking

Emphasizes a conscious decision not to verbalize thoughts or feelings.

swallow my pride

Emphasizes overcoming arrogance or ego in a difficult situation.

bottle up my emotions

Describes the act of suppressing and containing one's feelings.

clamp my mouth shut

Describes a physical act of preventing oneself from speaking.

keep silent

Highlights the act of maintaining silence, often under duress.

FAQs

How can I use "bite my lip" in a sentence?

You can use "bite my lip" to indicate restraint, holding back a reaction, or suppressing an emotion. For example, "I had to bite my lip to avoid laughing at his ridiculous outfit."

What does it mean to "bite my lip"?

To "bite my lip" means to physically bite down on your lip, often as a way to control your emotions, suppress a reaction, or prevent yourself from saying something you might regret.

What are some alternatives to "bite my lip"?

Alternatives to "bite my lip" include "hold my tongue", "suppress my reaction", or "refrain from speaking" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "bit my lip" or "bite my lip"?

"Bit my lip" is the past tense form, used to describe an action that already happened (e.g., "I bit my lip when she told me the news"). "Bite my lip" is the present tense or infinitive form, used for habitual actions or general statements (e.g., "I often bite my lip when I'm nervous").