English

Verb

bite one's lip

1. (idiomatic) To forcibly prevent oneself from speaking, especially in order to avoid saying something inappropriate or likely to cause a dispute.
   • 1822, Sir Walter Scott, Peveril of the Peak, ch. 49:

     Buckingham bit his lip, for he saw the introduction of Lady Derby was likely to confuse and embroil every preparation which he had arranged for his defence.

   • 1922, F. Scott Fitzgerald, "May Day" in Tales of the Jazz Age:

     He broke off and bit his lip, feeling that he had better subdue the rising anger in his voice.

Synonyms

• bite one's tongue