IdiomBody & Senses
Italian
Italiantenere a freno la lingua
Meaning: to refrain from speaking; to keep silent.
Literally: To hold back the tongue
Example: “Volevo rispondere, ma ho tenuto a freno la lingua.” — I wanted to answer back, but I held my tongue.
English equivalent: To hold one's tongue
Equivalents in other languages
Polish: trzymać język za zębami Literally: To hold tongue behind teeth
English: hold one's tongue
Origin: The freno here is the bit and reins that hold back a horse, so a tongue kept on the rein is one that is not allowed to run away with its rider. The phrase means holding back what one would like to say. The tongue as an unruly creature to be bridled is an old image, found in the Letter of James (3:3–5).
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