bite your tongue

USAGE SUMMARY

"bite your tongue" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it when someone has said or is about to say something that could cause offense or be imprudent. For example: "John was about to criticize his boss, but his colleague quickly reminded him to 'bite your tongue'".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Don't bite your tongue too hard if using the biting tongue method!

WikiHow

You bite your tongue.

The New York Times - Style

His mother told him: bite your tongue.

The New York Times - Sports

You do have to bite your tongue.

The New York Times

You have to bite your tongue.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"You will need to bite your tongue," she said.

The New York Times

Sometimes it's a good thing to bite your tongue.

Independent

You may have to bite your tongue until it bleeds.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And sometimes, when you mouth gets dry, you can bite your tongue, she said.

The New York Times

'Do you bite your tongue?' As a matter of fact, I do.

The New York Times

What will you brief the teacher on this fall, and when will you bite your tongue?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "bite your tongue" with active listening skills to better understand the other person's perspective before reacting, which helps in fostering better communication and relationships.

Common error

Avoid using "bite your tongue" excessively, as it can come across as patronizing or dismissive. Opt for more direct and constructive communication when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bite your tongue" functions as an idiomatic expression used to advise or instruct someone to refrain from speaking. It implies that saying something might be detrimental or inappropriate. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bite your tongue" is a commonly used idiomatic phrase that advises restraint in speech to avoid potential negative consequences. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, avoid overuse to maintain clear and constructive communication. Alternatives like "hold your tongue" or "keep mum" can offer variety. By following these insights, you can effectively use "bite your tongue" in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold your tongue

A more literal and direct way of expressing the need to remain silent.

swallow your words

Indicates suppressing something you were about to say.

keep mum

Implies a secret or something that should not be revealed.

remain silent

Focuses on the act of staying quiet, often in a deliberate manner.

keep quiet

A simple and straightforward way of saying to stay silent.

refrain from speaking

A formal way of saying to avoid saying something.

zip your lip

A more informal and direct way to tell someone to be quiet.

button your lip

Similar to "zip your lip", also suggests closing one's mouth and remaining silent.

clam up

Suggests suddenly becoming silent, often due to nervousness or discomfort.

hold back

Implies withholding a comment or reaction.

FAQs

How can I use "bite your tongue" in a sentence?

You can use "bite your tongue" to advise someone to refrain from saying something potentially harmful or inappropriate. For example, "I wanted to argue, but I had to "bite my tongue" to avoid a fight."

What does it mean to "bite your tongue"?

To "bite your tongue" means to stop yourself from saying something, usually because it would be better to remain silent. It often implies suppressing an urge to speak due to potential negative consequences.

What are some alternatives to "bite your tongue"?

Alternatives include "hold your tongue", "keep mum", or "refrain from speaking", each conveying a similar sense of restraint.

When is it appropriate to tell someone to "bite your tongue"?

It is appropriate to suggest someone "bite their tongue" when they are about to say something that could be offensive, inappropriate, or counterproductive to a conversation or situation.