IdiomBody & Senses
Polish
Polishtrzymać język za zębami
Meaning: To keep silent and refrain from speaking.
Literally: To hold tongue behind teeth
Example: “Trzymaj język za zębami, to niespodzianka dla mamy.” — Hold your tongue; it's a surprise for Mom.
English equivalent: To hold one's tongue
Origin: Keeping the tongue behind the teeth is keeping it shut in, so that nothing slips out. The phrase means keeping quiet, especially about a secret, and is shared with other Slavic languages, such as Russian держать язык за зубами. No particular story lies behind it.
Equivalents in other languages
Italian: tenere a freno la lingua Literally: To hold back the tongue
English: hold one's tongue
More Polish idioms
- papierek lakmusowy A decisive test that reveals the true nature or quality of something.
- wyrzucić pieniądze w błoto To waste money on something worthless or futile.
- prosty jak drut Very easy or straightforward.
- dusza towarzystwa The most entertaining or lively person at a gathering.
- studnia bez dna An endless source of trouble or expense; something that consumes resources without limit…
- pi razy oko A rough, approximate measure with little precision; give or take.
Explore another collection: Proverbs
Short sayings of timeless wisdom from more than 50 cultures, each with its meaning and origin.
- Nie wywołuj wilka z lasu Don't stir up trouble by talking about it or provoking it.
- Ciekawość to pierwszy stopień do piekła Being too curious about others' business leads to trouble.
- Pilnuj, szewcze, kopyta Stick to what you know and don't meddle in other people's business.
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