Bite your lip
verb
To stop yourself from saying something you really want to say.
I had to bite my lip to keep from telling her what I really thought.
Often appears as...
- had to bite my lip
- couldn't help but bite my lip
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To endure a painful or difficult situation without complaining.
Despite the harsh criticism, he bit his lip and continued his work.
Often appears as...
- bite your lip and bear it
- he bit his lip
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To physically press your teeth against your lip, often to stop yourself from showing emotion.
She bit her lip to stop herself from crying.
Often appears as...
- bite your lip in disappointment
- bite my lip in frustration
verb
To stop yourself from saying something you really want to say.
I had to bite my lip to keep from telling her what I really thought.
Often appears as...
- had to bite my lip
- couldn't help but bite my lip
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To endure a painful or difficult situation without complaining.
Despite the harsh criticism, he bit his lip and continued his work.
Often appears as...
- bite your lip and bear it
- he bit his lip
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To physically press your teeth against your lip, often to stop yourself from showing emotion.
She bit her lip to stop herself from crying.
Often appears as...
- bite your lip in disappointment
- bite my lip in frustration
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Hidden Feelings
Use when hiding strong personal opinions or emotions, often to maintain harmony.
During the meeting, I bit my lip rather than argue.
Pro Tip 2/3Tactful Silence
It suggests diplomacy; choosing not to speak may be more influential or appropriate.
I had to bite my lip when he boasted about his questionable achievements.
Pro Tip 3/3Conflict Avoidance
Implies avoiding confrontation or keeping the peace in a challenging situation.
She bit her lip when her mother-in-law made a snide comment.
Pro Tip 1/3Hidden Feelings
Use when hiding strong personal opinions or emotions, often to maintain harmony.
During the meeting, I bit my lip rather than argue.
Pro Tip 2/3Tactful Silence
It suggests diplomacy; choosing not to speak may be more influential or appropriate.
I had to bite my lip when he boasted about his questionable achievements.
Pro Tip 3/3Conflict Avoidance
Implies avoiding confrontation or keeping the peace in a challenging situation.
She bit her lip when her mother-in-law made a snide comment.
Pro Tip 1/3Hidden Feelings
Use when hiding strong personal opinions or emotions, often to maintain harmony.
During the meeting, I bit my lip rather than argue.
Pro Tip 2/3Tactful Silence
It suggests diplomacy; choosing not to speak may be more influential or appropriate.
I had to bite my lip when he boasted about his questionable achievements.
Pro Tip 3/3Conflict Avoidance
Implies avoiding confrontation or keeping the peace in a challenging situation.
She bit her lip when her mother-in-law made a snide comment.
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