Bite your tongue

[blacknomi]

http://www.goenglish.com/BiteYourTongue.asp

According to the link and other reference I read, I think this idiom is somewhat a negative response to ask somebody to shut their mouth. And the words coming from their mouth could be unpleasant to the listener's ear.

So,

If someone flatters me a lot, can I say, "Bite your tongue! I'm flattered."
If someone swears a lot, can I say, "Bite your tongue! Watch your mouth, lady."

[twostep]

Originally Posted by blacknomi

http://www.goenglish.com/BiteYourTongue.asp

According to the link and other reference I read, I think this idiom is somewhat a negative response to ask somebody to shut their mouth. And the words coming from their mouth could be unpleasant to the listener's ear.

So,

If someone flatters me a lot, can I say, "Bite your tongue! I'm flattered."
If someone swears a lot, can I say, "Bite your tongue! Watch your mouth, lady."

As far as I know "bite your tongue" is never associated with something pleasant. So - no flattery!
You can use it to express anticipation of something rather unpleasant - "Uncle Henry might come visiting." - "Bite your tongue." Do not tempt fate.

[Tdol]

It is negative to me.

[twostep]

Originally Posted by tdol

It is negative to me.

Unless you are into piercing Considering the amount of phone conferences I suffer through - biting my tongue - I am eligible for zipper art

[blacknomi]

Alex: Is Monica going to visit you again?!

Jane: Bite your tongue!


*GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG*

Thanks, my dearest Meow! And tdol!

[RonBee]

Originally Posted by blacknomi

Alex: Is Monica going to visit you again?!

Jane: Bite your tongue!


*GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG*

Thanks, my dearest Meow! And tdol!

Good example! I would say the expression is usually used humorously (as in the example).

[blacknomi]

HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA....Thanks.

What about,

"Bite your tongue at the drop of a hat?"




Thick Ladybug

[RonBee]

Originally Posted by blacknomi

HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA....Thanks.

What about,

"Bite your tongue at the drop of a hat?"




Thick Ladybug

Be careful about biting your tongue too hard. It might hurt.

[twostep]

Originally Posted by RonBee

Good example! I would say the expression is usually used humorously (as in the example).

You obviously never had the pleasure of meeting my in-laws.

[twostep]

Originally Posted by RonBee

Be careful about biting your tongue too hard. It might hurt.

Never!