Temper the tongue.
Temper the tongue.
Meaning in plain English
Keep your speech under considered control rather than letting impulse set its tone. Firm words can remain measured, accurate and proportionate without becoming an unnecessary attack.
Example
A frustrated organiser describes the missed task and asks for a revised arrangement instead of calling the volunteer lazy in front of the group.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
Temper suggests moderating or governing the tongue. The proverb encourages attention to how emotion becomes speech, especially when anger makes an insult or exaggeration easy. A considered response can still name a problem, refuse a demand or disagree strongly. The aim is not merely to sound pleasant; it is to avoid words that exceed what you can honestly support or that injure without helping. The saying does not require someone to remain calm at every moment. Its useful prompt is to pause when possible and choose language that serves the issue rather than only discharges the feeling.
When to use it
Use it when an emotional reaction is about to become disproportionate or unsupported speech.
Keep in mind
Measured language can be direct and urgent; do not demand a mild tone as a condition for taking a serious concern seriously.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases
Entry 1633 · Tongue
Read the original context ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · historical anthology
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Public domain (United States)
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
Provenance and licences ↗