keep a civil tongue

keep a civil tongue

To speak kindly and politely; to refrain from using harsh, insolent, or rude language. I don't want any outbursts between you and your sister during this dinner, so please keep a civil tongue, understood? I know that this is a heated topic, but I would ask that all participants in the debate please keep a civil tongue.

See also: civil, keep, tongue

keep a civil tongue (in one's head)

Fig. to speak decently and politely. Please, John. Don't talk like that. Keep a civil tongue in your head. John seems unable to keep a civil tongue.

See also: civil, keep, tongue