have a sharp tongue
Meaning: To speak in a harsh, cutting way.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “Our old piano teacher had a sharp tongue, but she made us practice.”
Category: Body & Senses
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 idioms — Body & Senses
- cut one's teeth — To gain one's first experience of something.
- be scared stiff — To be so frightened that one cannot move.
- with one hand tied behind one's back — Very easily; or, when forced on someone, at a great disadvantage.
- have a heart of gold — To be very kind and generous.
- get back on one's feet — To recover after an illness or a setback.
- not sleep a wink — To not sleep at all.
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.
From our compliments & insults
- 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…