Meaning: This idiom means to stop yourself from saying something because it might cause offense or trouble, or to keep quiet when you want to speak out.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “I had to bite my tongue to keep from arguing with him about politics.”
- “She wanted to complain about the service, but she bit her tongue because she didn’t want to make a scene.”
- “He bit his tongue instead of telling his friend he thought the idea was terrible.”
Origin: The origin of the idiom “bite your tongue” likely comes from the physical act of biting one’s tongue to prevent oneself from speaking. The phrase suggests a deliberate effort to hold back words, often to avoid conflict, criticism, or saying something inappropriate. It has been used in English for many years to convey the concept of self-restraint in speech.
