# button one's lip

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/button-ones-lip
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To remain silent, especially in order to keep a secret or to avoid saying something inappropriate.

## Examples

- Please button your lip until the surprise party begins.
- He had to button his lip during the meeting to avoid revealing the company's secret plans.
- Although he desperately wanted to voice his disagreement, he chose to button his lip, fearing that speaking out would jeopardize his position in the firm.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.