# hold one's tongue

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/hold-ones-tongue
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To refrain from talking about something.

## Examples

- I had to hold my tongue during the meeting.
- She wanted to correct her boss, but she decided to hold her tongue to avoid an argument.
- Although he strongly disagreed with the committee's decision, he chose to hold his tongue rather than cause a public scene.

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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.