save your applause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "save your applause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to tell someone to hold off on their applause, often implying that the moment is not yet appropriate for it. Example: "After my speech, I smiled and said, 'Save your applause for the end when I reveal the big surprise.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Save your applause," he said.

The New Yorker

Save your applause for yourself; never waste a single clap on someone else.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

To save your marriage?

The New York Times

Save your money.

The New York Times

So save your breath.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Save your energy, Rex.

The New Yorker

But save your tears.

The Economist

Save, save, save your KinzCash.

WikiHow

Save your location.

WikiHow

Save your new entry.

WikiHow

Save your new address.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "save your applause" when you want to create anticipation or suggest that a more appropriate moment for applause is coming.

Common error

Avoid using "save your applause" in situations where any applause at all would be unwelcome or inappropriate. The phrase implies that applause will be welcome later, just not yet.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "save your applause" functions as an imperative, directly instructing an audience to hold back their applause. As Ludwig suggests, it's often used when a more appropriate moment for applause is anticipated.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "save your applause" is an imperative phrase used to instruct an audience to withhold applause, typically because a more suitable moment is expected. As Ludwig confirms, it's a grammatically correct expression. While used less frequently, it appears in various contexts, especially in News & Media and Wiki sources. Alternative phrases include "hold your applause" and "keep your applause". Remember to use the phrase when anticipating a bigger moment and avoid it when no applause is warranted at all.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold your applause

This alternative uses "hold" instead of "save", implying a temporary postponement of applause.

withhold your applause

This alternative uses "withhold", suggesting a more deliberate holding back of applause.

keep your applause

This option conveys a sense of reserving applause for a later, more appropriate moment.

delay your clapping

This uses "clapping" instead of "applause" and "delay" to postpone the action.

refrain from clapping

This is a more formal way of asking people to hold back their applause.

no applause yet

A direct and concise instruction to hold off on applauding.

wait for the applause

This phrase implies that applause will be appropriate later, but not yet.

hold the clapping

Similar to "hold your applause", but uses "the clapping" for a slightly different feel.

postpone your applause

A more formal alternative using "postpone" to indicate delaying the applause.

don't applaud yet

A straightforward way to tell people not to applaud at the current moment.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "save your applause"?

It's appropriate to use "save your applause" when you want to suggest that applause will be more fitting or impactful at a later moment. For example, before a big reveal or after a final, culminating performance.

What are some alternatives to saying "save your applause"?

You can use alternatives like "hold your applause", "keep your applause", or "wait for it" depending on the context.

Is "save your applause" a formal or informal expression?

The expression "save your applause" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. However, its impact depends on the surrounding context. More formal alternatives include "withhold your applause".

Can "save your applause" be used sarcastically?

Yes, "save your applause" can be used sarcastically. If someone says "save your applause" after a minor or unimpressive action, it implies that the action doesn't warrant applause or praise.