hold one's tongue

phrase

variants or hold one's peace
Synonyms of hold one's tonguenext
: to keep silent : keep one's thoughts to oneself

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hold one's tongue was before the 12th century

Rhymes for hold one's tongue

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Browse Nearby Words

hold one's own
hold one's tongue
hold on to
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Cite this Entry

“Hold one's tongue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hold%20one%27s%20tongue. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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