# keep a civil tongue in one's head

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/keep-a-civil-tongue-in-ones-head
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To maintain a polite manner of speaking.

## Examples

- Please keep a civil tongue in your head while we talk.
- Even though he was angry about the mistake, he managed to keep a civil tongue in his head during the meeting.
- Despite the intense provocation from his rival, he maintained his composure and kept a civil tongue in his head throughout the entire debate.

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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.