Hold your fire and listen before you reply.
hold one's fire
idiomWait, don't retaliate, calm down, be quiet.
The manager told everyone to hold their fire until they had heard the full explanation.
Though provoked by the harsh criticism, the diplomat chose to hold his fire, knowing that a measured response would serve him better.
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abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 04
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 05
add fuel to the fire
To worsen a conflict between people; to inflame an already tense situation.
- 06
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 07
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 08
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
Last updated July 12, 2026