Pronunciation: [hˈɛld tˈʌŋ] (IPA) 
The word "held tongue" is a common phrase that means to stay quiet or to refrain from speaking. The pronunciation of this phrase is /hɛld tʌŋ/, with the first word rhyming with "meld" and the second word having the same sound as the word "rung". The "e" in "held" is pronounced with the short "e" sound, as in "red" or "set". The "tongue" is pronounced with a voiced "ng" sound at the end, similar to the sound in "singing".
The phrase "held tongue" is an idiom that refers to an individual's conscious decision to remain silent or withhold their thoughts or opinions on a matter. It implies the act of restraining oneself from speaking out or expressing oneself, especially when provoked or confronted with a situation that may require a response. This idiom denotes self-control and often implies a deliberate or calculated decision not to engage in verbal communication.
"Held tongue" can be interpreted as a metaphorical expression, emphasizing the physical action of restraining one's tongue to prevent speech. It suggests a measured response, avoiding an impulsive reaction or potentially causing conflict or controversy.
The concept of "held tongue" is often associated with prudence, diplomacy, and emotional intelligence. It can be employed in various contexts, such as avoiding an argument, exercising caution in sensitive conversations, or maintaining a sense of professionalism in the face of criticism. The act of restraining one's tongue implies a level of patience and respect for others' viewpoints, indicating a desire to maintain harmony or prevent unnecessary confrontations.
Overall, the phrase "held tongue" encapsulates the deliberate act of controlling one's speech and choosing silence as a conscious response in certain situations.
The phrase "held tongue" does not have a specific etymology as it is not a standalone word or phrase with a clearly defined origin. However, we can look at the individual words within the phrase to understand their etymology and how they contribute to the overall meaning.
1. Held: The verb "held" comes from the Old English word "healdan", which means "to grasp, contain, or retain". Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "haldan" and the Proto-Indo-European word "*kel-", meaning "to hold or grasp".
2. Tongue: The noun "tongue" comes from the Old English word "tunge", which has Germanic roots and is related to similar words in other Germanic languages.
