hold one’s tongue: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘hold one's tongue’ mean?
The idiom "hold one's tongue" means to not speak or to remain silent, typically when faced with a situation where speaking might be inappropriate or cause trouble.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "shut one's mouth" means to stop talking or to keep quiet, usually in response to a command or to avoid saying something inappropriate or offensive.
The idiom "keep one's mouth shut" means to remain silent or not reveal information, often to avoid causing trouble or trouble for oneself. It emphasizes the importance of not speaking or disclosing something that should remain secret or private.
The idiom "hold the line" means to remain in a current position or keep a situation stable, often in the face of difficulty or opposition.
The idiom "hold the floor" means to continue speaking or dominating a conversation or discussion, often preventing others from speaking or interrupting.
The idiom "hold the cards" means to have the control or power in a situation.
The idiom "hold that thought" means to ask someone to temporarily stop speaking or delay a discussion until one is ready to continue or listen further.
The idiom "hold onto your hat" means to prepare oneself for something surprising or exciting that is about to happen. It is often used to indicate that someone should be ready for a fast or unpredictable experience.
The idiom "hold one's water" means to have self-control and not give in to the urge to urinate. It is often used in informal settings to ask someone to be patient and wait.
Decoding the Enigma
Hold one's tongue is an idiom meaning to remain silent or not speak. It's a phrase commonly used in English-speaking countries and originated in the 16th century. The idiom comes from physically holding or restraining one's tongue to avoid speaking. It's a metaphor for exercising self-restraint and caution in communication.
The exact origins of the idiom "hold one's tongue" are uncertain, but it can be traced back to early English literature and similar expressions. Shakespeare's plays mention the phrase, indicating its use during the Elizabethan era.
The idiom is closely associated with self-control and refraining from speaking, especially in situations where it's wise to do so. It suggests keeping thoughts or opinions to oneself to avoid conflict, give others a chance to speak, or maintain decorum. Holding one's tongue demonstrates maturity and emotional intelligence by choosing silence over harmful words.
The idiom "hold one's tongue" is a commonly used figurative language in everyday conversation and literature. It symbolically conveys the importance of restraint and thoughtful communication. Native speakers generally understand its meaning without explanation.
Furthermore, the idiom has variations such as "bite one's tongue" and "hold one's peace." These idioms convey a similar idea of refraining from speaking. They showcase the flexibility and evolution of idiomatic language while retaining core meaning.
Hold one's tongue is widely recognized in English as a phrase that denotes remaining silent. It originates from early English literature and promotes self-restraint and thoughtful communication. The idiom reminds us of the power of silence and the importance of choosing words wisely. It signifies the ability to listen and hold back, fostering understanding and harmonious interactions. The idiom continues to resonate with those who value careful conversation, reminding us of the impact of our words and the value of silent contemplation.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom hold one's tongue can be used in a sentence:
1. Despite wanting to speak out, she decided to hold her tongue and keep her opinions to herself during the meeting.
2. He held his tongue when his coworker made a mistake, showing restraint and professionalism.
3. The teacher told the students to hold their tongues and not gossip about the incident.
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