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Mettre sa langue dans sa poche

French expressions analyzed and explained

By Laura K. Lawless, About.com


Expression: Mettre sa langue dans sa poche

Pronunciation: [meh tr(eu) sa la(n)g da(n) sa puhsh]

Meaning: To be quiet, to stay silent

Literal translation: To put one's tongue in one's pocket

Register: informal

Notes: The French expression mettre sa langue dans sa poche means to not say anything, because putting your tongue in your pocket makes it unusable. This same idea can be found in the expression ne pas avoir la langue dans sa poche, which means "to talk a lot, to say what one thinks, to always have a retort" (even if it's tactless or embarassing).
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Example:
   Gêné par la discussion, il a mis sa langue dans sa poche
   Embarrassed by the discussion, he stayed silent
 

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