English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Button your lip
Meaning
The idiom "button your lip" means to keep quiet or be silent. It is a way of telling someone to stop talking or to control their words.
Usage
- I told him to button his lip during the meeting, he was interrupting too often.
- After losing the game, she buttoned her lip and didn't say anything about it for days.
- He always talks too much, I wish he would button his lip and listen more.
- We need to button our lips and focus on the project at hand.
- When she found out about the cheating, she buttoned her lip and didn't speak to him for weeks.
Roots and History
The exact origin of this idiom is unclear, but it has been in use since at least the 19th century. One theory suggests that it comes from the idea of "buttoning up" or closing off a wound, which could be interpreted as shutting up or being quiet.
Synonyms in English
- Hold your tongue
- Keep your mouth shut
- Don't speak a word
- Stay silent
- Remain quiet
Synonyms in other languages
- Spanish: "guerra oral" (oral war)
- French: "silence de la bouche" (mouth silence)
- German: "geschlossene Lippe" (closed lip)
- Italian: "chiudere bocca" (close mouth)
- Japanese: "口が開かれるまで" (mouth open until)
Buttoning one's lip can be seen as a way of expressing respect or politeness, especially in formal settings. It is also used to keep from saying something hurtful or embarrassing.