idioms using “tongue”

On the tip of one’s tongue

To know something but be unable to recall it

“Look to your right. There is…oh, what is his name? Ah, it’s on the tip of my tongue!”

Bite one’s tongue

To hold back from speaking because it would be inappropriate

“When our manager said he knew I wouldn’t mind working over the weekend, I had to bite my tongue.”

Find one’s tongue

To overcome shyness, fright, or embarrassment to say something

“It’s good that Miura-san finally found her tongue: she made some valuable contributions to the discussion.”

Tongue in cheek

Remarks meant to be funny or ironic

“Sadato-san’s remarks weren’t meant to be taken seriously; they were just tongue in cheek.”

Get a tongue-lashing

To be spoken to angrily or criticized harshly

“Wada-san did make a mistake, but she didn’t deserve such a strong tongue-lashing from her boss.”