taste your words before you spell them out

[alpacinou]

Hello.

In my language, we have a saying that literally translates to "taste your words before you spell them out". It means think carefully about your words and choose your words carefully before saying them. You need to be aware of what you say and the importance of the words you choose and the consequences of your choice of words.

Is there an expression in English similar to "taste your words before you spell them out"?

 

[Raymott]

"Think before you speak." (That's rather literal, but it's what we say.)
"Engage your mind before disengaging your tongue."

 

[alpacinou]

I also found this on Google:

Engage your mind before putting your mouth in gear.

How common is it?

 

[Raymott]

Yes, that's another version. You can say that.

 

[GoesStation]

The expression weigh your words means something very similar.

 

[emsr2d2]

"Engage your mind before disengaging your tongue."

That seems a bit odd. I would expect "before engaging your tongue" there. As it stands, it seems to mean that you should think before you stop speaking!

 

[alpacinou]

That seems a bit odd. I would expect "before engaging your tongue" there. As it stands, it seems to mean that you should think before you stop speaking!

So, is this the correct sentence?

Engage your mind before engaging your tongue.

 

[Raymott]

So, is this the correct sentence?

Engage your mind before engaging your tongue.

Your suggestion "Engage your mind before putting your mouth in gear" is the best.