bite your lip

bite (one's) lip

To forcibly prevent oneself from exhibiting an outward reaction to something, especially that which makes one angry, irritated, or upset. I just had to bite my lip while the boss yelled at me for losing the account. If someone tries to provoke you, just bite your lip and keep walking.
See also: bite, lip
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

bite your lip

repress an emotion; stifle laughter or a retort.
See also: bite, lip
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

bite your ˈlip

force yourself not to express the negative emotions that you are feeling: You could tell she thought the criticism was unfair but she bit her lip and said nothing. OPPOSITE: let rip (at somebody) (with something)
See also: bite, lip
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • bite (one's) lip
  • kick (oneself) for (doing something)
  • wash (one's) hands of (someone or something)
  • wash hands of
  • wash one's hands of
  • wash your hands of
  • wash your hands of somebody/something
  • keep (someone or something) in sight
  • keep in sight
  • keep sight of
References in periodicals archive
Remember me tomorrow when you're forced to bite your lip While surgeons sew up stitches, where's the silicon chip?
Your Poem; A Word From Mother Earth
'As a coach, sometimes you just have to bite your lip and trust your players that they will find a way,' Robinson said.
Refusing to lose, Jaycee Marcelino carries Lyceum on his shoulders
Don't bribe, plead or entice her, just bite your lip. One day she'll change.
Chicken nugget of wisdom; Ask Anne; Life, love and angst... Anne Diamond answers your questions
Organise a holiday you'll both enjoy and bite your lip when you want to whine about someone.
Q My husband thinks it would [...]
Then bite your lip before laying into his appearance again!
your life: PINING FOR YOUTH
"'It's been a frustrating week for me, but you bite your lip and get on with it.
Rugby Union: Fall guy Popham vows to hit back in World Cup challenge
"Gareth kept telling me, 'Bite your lip, bide your time.
Popham: I deserved my chance to face Les Blues
'It's sometimes hard to bite your lip, especially when we've got such fiery characters in our dressing-room,' he said.
Football: Butler rules out U-turn on passion
These things happen and you've just got to bite your lip and get on with it."
Rob-bed of Cup chance
'As a coach, sometimes you have to bite your lip and trust your players that they will find a way,' said Pirates head coach Topex Robinson as his team improved to 2-0.
NCAA: Lyceum holds off EAC rally for 2nd win
So I'd bite your lip and keep your negative thoughts to yourself.
'Suddenly my husband's daughter wants to meet him'
'I told him, 'Bite your lip, David, and don't swear'.
Jungle Dickinson 'new Joan Collins'
"Sometimes, you have to bite your lip. It is about pulling together (on a Lions tour) to achieve a goal, and I don't think that is the best way to go.
RUGBY UNION: O'Driscoll bemoans Henson outburst
"We get on each other's nerves now and again, but you just have times when you have to bite your lip and say nothing."
BOYZ R US; We're not in same league as Take That