This idiom is a command to remain silent, refrain from speaking, or withhold opinions, often to avoid causing offense, escalating conflict, or revealing secrets. It suggests self-restraint in communication, as if physically holding one’s tongue to prevent speech. The phrase is used in social, familial, or formal contexts to urge discretion or tact, carrying a firm or admonishing tone. It reflects cultural norms of politeness and the power of words, emphasizing the importance of timing and restraint in sensitive situations.

The phrase originated in 14th-century England, tied to the physical act of biting or holding one’s tongue to stay quiet. An early use appears in Geoffrey Chaucer’s *The Canterbury Tales* (1387): ‘Hold thy tongue.’ The idiom gained traction in the 16th century, reflecting social etiquette, as seen in William Shakespeare’s *Henry VI, Part 2* (1591). Its use grew in 19th-century British and American English, particularly in domestic and moral contexts, with Charles Dickens’ *Oliver Twist* (1838) employing it. The phrase’s vivid imagery and relevance to communication ensured its spread, especially in contexts of diplomacy and personal restraint.