Watch your mouth/tongue

phrase

To tell someone to be careful about what they say because it could be offensive or rude.

You better watch your mouth when you talk about my friends.
Visual representation of "watch your mouth/tongue" - To tell someone to be careful about what they say because it could be offensive or rude.

Often appears as...

  • you better watch your mouth
  • i can't believe you didn't watch your mouth

Usage tips

Colloquial

phrase

Warning someone to stop saying things that are disrespectful or inappropriate.

Watch your tongue! We are in a church.
Visual representation of "watch your mouth/tongue" - Warning someone to stop saying things that are disrespectful or inappropriate.

Often appears as...

  • you should watch your tongue
  • she needs to watch her tongue

Usage tips

Disapproving

Colloquial

phrase

To tell someone to be careful about what they say because it could be offensive or rude.

You better watch your mouth when you talk about my friends.
Visual representation of "watch your mouth/tongue" - To tell someone to be careful about what they say because it could be offensive or rude.

Often appears as...

  • you better watch your mouth
  • i can't believe you didn't watch your mouth

Usage tips

Colloquial

phrase

Warning someone to stop saying things that are disrespectful or inappropriate.

Watch your tongue! We are in a church.
Visual representation of "watch your mouth/tongue" - Warning someone to stop saying things that are disrespectful or inappropriate.

Often appears as...

  • you should watch your tongue
  • she needs to watch her tongue

Usage tips

Disapproving

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "watch your mouth/tongue"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Anger Indicator

Often used when the speaker is irritated or angry about another's words.

Illustration for Anger Indicator
If you insult her cooking again, you'd better watch your mouth.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Authority Figure

Typically used by someone in authority — like parents or teachers.

Illustration for Authority Figure
Young man, watch your mouth in my classroom!
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Sensitivity

The phrase can imply cultural disrespect and may demand cultural sensitivity.

Illustration for Cultural Sensitivity
When discussing traditions, you better watch your mouth.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Anger Indicator

Often used when the speaker is irritated or angry about another's words.

Illustration for Anger Indicator
If you insult her cooking again, you'd better watch your mouth.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Authority Figure

Typically used by someone in authority — like parents or teachers.

Illustration for Authority Figure
Young man, watch your mouth in my classroom!
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Sensitivity

The phrase can imply cultural disrespect and may demand cultural sensitivity.

Illustration for Cultural Sensitivity
When discussing traditions, you better watch your mouth.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Anger Indicator

Often used when the speaker is irritated or angry about another's words.

Illustration for Anger Indicator
If you insult her cooking again, you'd better watch your mouth.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Authority Figure

Typically used by someone in authority — like parents or teachers.

Illustration for Authority Figure
Young man, watch your mouth in my classroom!
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Sensitivity

The phrase can imply cultural disrespect and may demand cultural sensitivity.

Illustration for Cultural Sensitivity
When discussing traditions, you better watch your mouth.
Visual representation of the word "Watch your mouth/tongue"

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