What is the meaning of idiom to hold tongue?

The idiom "to hold one's tongue" means to refrain from speaking, especially to avoid saying something that might be hurtful, unwise, or inappropriate.

Here's a breakdown of the meaning:

* Hold: This implies a conscious effort to control oneself.

* Tongue: This refers to the organ used for speech.

Essentially, the idiom suggests that you are physically preventing yourself from speaking.

Here are some examples of how it's used:

* "I wanted to tell her off, but I held my tongue."

* "He was furious, but he managed to hold his tongue."

* "It's best to hold your tongue when you're angry."