Hold your tongue/peace
idiom
To stop oneself from speaking, typically due to discretion or prudence.
Despite my anger, I knew I had to hold my tongue during the meeting.
Often appears as...
- hold your tongue
- can't hold my tongue
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To keep quiet or stop talking in a situation where one might want to speak up.
In order to keep the peace, I held my tongue and didn't say anything.
Often appears as...
- hold your peace
- forever hold your peace
Usage tips
Idiomatic
idiom
To stop oneself from speaking, typically due to discretion or prudence.
Despite my anger, I knew I had to hold my tongue during the meeting.
Often appears as...
- hold your tongue
- can't hold my tongue
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To keep quiet or stop talking in a situation where one might want to speak up.
In order to keep the peace, I held my tongue and didn't say anything.
Often appears as...
- hold your peace
- forever hold your peace
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Sensitivity
In some cultures, staying silent is seen as respectful, while in others it might be misunderstood as agreement.
At the family dinner, I had to hold my tongue to show respect, even though I disagreed.
Pro Tip 2/3Tactical Silence
Choosing when to speak can be as important as what you say. Holding your tongue can be strategic.
When negotiations got tense, she held her tongue, waiting for the right moment to speak.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotion Control
Use this phrase when you need to control an emotional response to avoid conflict or offense.
He made a rude comment, but I held my tongue to avoid escalating the situation.
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Sensitivity
In some cultures, staying silent is seen as respectful, while in others it might be misunderstood as agreement.
At the family dinner, I had to hold my tongue to show respect, even though I disagreed.
Pro Tip 2/3Tactical Silence
Choosing when to speak can be as important as what you say. Holding your tongue can be strategic.
When negotiations got tense, she held her tongue, waiting for the right moment to speak.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotion Control
Use this phrase when you need to control an emotional response to avoid conflict or offense.
He made a rude comment, but I held my tongue to avoid escalating the situation.
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Sensitivity
In some cultures, staying silent is seen as respectful, while in others it might be misunderstood as agreement.
At the family dinner, I had to hold my tongue to show respect, even though I disagreed.
Pro Tip 2/3Tactical Silence
Choosing when to speak can be as important as what you say. Holding your tongue can be strategic.
When negotiations got tense, she held her tongue, waiting for the right moment to speak.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotion Control
Use this phrase when you need to control an emotional response to avoid conflict or offense.
He made a rude comment, but I held my tongue to avoid escalating the situation.
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