IdiomBody & Senses
English
Englishhave a sharp tongue
Meaning: To speak in a harsh, cutting way.
Example: “Our old piano teacher had a sharp tongue, but she made us practice.”
Origin: The image of a tongue that cuts is biblical: Psalm 52 likens a deceitful tongue to a sharp razor, and Psalm 57 to a sharp sword.
Equivalents in other languages
French: Avoir une langue de vipère Literally: To have a viper's tongue
More English idioms
- be in the thick of it To be in the busiest or most intense part of an activity.
- have stars in one's eyes To be dazzled or dreamily idealistic, especially about love or fame.
- hit a snag To run into an unexpected problem.
- something fishy is going on Something suspicious is happening.
- take French leave To leave without saying goodbye or asking permission.
- dress to the nines To dress very smartly or elaborately.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Tu as de la répartie You're brilliantly quick-witted — always ready with the perfect comeback.
- Eres un crack You're brilliant — a total star at what you do.
- Eres muy majo/a You're a lovely, kind, and genuine person — the nicest way to compliment someone's charac…
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