World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English Dictionariessich auf die Zunge beißen
Pronunciation / Transliteration: zɪç aʊf diː ˈtsʊŋə ˈbaɪsn̩
"Sie musste sich auf die Zunge beißen, um nichts Unhöfliches zu sagen."
Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
To stop oneself from saying something that might cause trouble, offense, or argument.
"She had to bite her tongue when her colleague claimed credit for her idea." - 2
To endure pain, criticism, or provocation without retaliating verbally.
"He wanted to yell back at the critic, but he bit his tongue and remained professional."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the literal physical action of clamping one's teeth onto the tongue to prevent vocalization or expression of pain. Recorded in English usage since the late 17th century as a figurative idiom denoting enforced silence or self-restraint.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Bite-your-tongue"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Bite-your-tongue" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
retenir sa langue
Transliteration: ʁə.tə.niʁ sa lɑ̃ɡ
"Il a dû retenir sa langue pour ne pas gâcher la surprise."
sich auf die Zunge beißen
Transliteration: zɪç aʊf diː ˈtsʊŋə ˈbaɪsn̩
"Sie musste sich auf die Zunge beißen, um nichts Unhöfliches zu sagen."
mordersi la lingua
Transliteration: ˈmɔr.der.si la ˈlin.ɡwa
"Ho dovuto mordermi la lingua per non dire la verità."
morderse la lengua
Transliteration: moɾˈdeɾ.se la ˈleŋ.ɡwa
"Tuve que morderme la lengua durante toda la reunión."
morder a língua
Transliteration: moɾˈdeɾ a ˈlĩ.ɡwɐ
"Ele teve de morder a língua para não discutir com o chefe."
जुबान पर लगाम रखना
Transliteration: zuban par lagaam rakhna
"बहas के समय अपनी जुबान पर लगाम रखना बुद्धिमानी है।"
闭嘴
Transliteration: bì zuǐ
"在那个尴尬的时刻，他选择闭嘴。"
입을 다물다
Transliteration: ibeul damulda
"그녀는 화가 났지만 입을 다물었다."
口をつぐむ
Transliteration: kuchi o tsugumu
"彼は本当のことを言いたい衝動を抑えて口をつぐんだ。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all German termsTo think carefully about something, typically before making a decision.
A formal, documented account of findings, investigations, or statistics issued by an authoritative body or government agency.
Used to express pleasure, realization, surprise, or understanding.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Bite-your-tongue"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.