hold (one's) temper
hold (one's) temper
To refrain from becoming angered, enraged, or upset due to some provocation; to maintain control of one's composure despite being angry or upset. You're a good driver, but if you don't do a better job of holding your temper when other drivers make mistakes, you're going to end up causing a crash some day. It's hard to hold my temper with the kids after being kept awake by them all night long.
See also: hold, temper
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
hold one's temper
Also, keep one's temper. Refrain from expressing violent anger, maintain composure or poise. For example, Billy has to learn to hold his temper when he's frustrated, or If the chairman can keep his temper, the matter will get settled. [c. 1700] For an antonym, see lose one's temper.
See also: hold, temper
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- hold one's temper
- keep (one's) temper
- keep temper
- keep/lose your temper
- get (one's) bowels in an uproar
- get bowels in an uproar
- get one’s bowels in an uproar
- a short fuse
- I don't want to upset you, but
- tell a (little) white lie