Hold your peace/tongue

usgb
phrase

Be quiet either by choosing not to speak or by withholding your opinion in a particular matter.

When you disagree with the boss, it's usually a good idea to hold your peace.
Visual representation of "hold your peace/tongue" - Be quiet either by choosing not to speak or by withholding your opinion in a particular matter

Often appears as...

  • hold your peace for now
  • struggle to hold your peace

Usage tips

Formal, Neutral

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "hold your peace/tongue"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Workplace Caution

Use it to convey careful silence when openly disagreeing might cause trouble professionally.

Illustration for Workplace Caution
Although I had my doubts, I chose to hold my peace during the meeting.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Conflict Avoidance

It suggests avoiding speaking to prevent animosity in a personal or professional setting.

Illustration for Conflict Avoidance
At the family dinner, when politics came up, I held my peace.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emotional Restraint

Indicates self-control over one's emotions by not voicing frustrations or anger.

Illustration for Emotional Restraint
She was being unreasonable, but I held my peace for the sake of our friendship.
Visual representation of the word "Hold your peace/tongue"

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