What does “Button your lip” mean?
"Button your lip" means to be quiet or stop talking.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I told him to button his lip before he said something he would regret.
Example
She needs to learn to button her lip and listen to others.
Example
When the teacher entered the room, everyone quickly buttoned their lips
Is “Button your lip” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Button your lip” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Button your lip” effectively in context?
You can use "Button your lip" to tell someone to be quiet or stop talking. It's often used in a slightly stern or commanding tone. For example, if someone is talking too much during a meeting, you might say, 'Please button your lip and let others speak.'
- 1Classroom
The teacher asked the students to button their lips and pay attention to the lesson.
- 2Family Gathering
During a heated argument, the mother told her children to button their lips and calm down.
- 3Workplace
In a team meeting, the manager reminded everyone to button their lips and listen to the client's feedback.
Similar phrases to “Button your lip”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Button your lip” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Button your lip" is unknown.
Is “Button your lip” common in everyday conversation?
"Button your lip" is not as common as some other idioms, but it is still used in everyday conversation, especially in more informal or casual settings.
What tone does “Button your lip” have?
"Button your lip" conveys a slightly stern or commanding tone. It's often used when someone needs to be quiet or stop talking, and there is a sense of authority or urgency in the request.
Can “Button your lip” be used in informal and formal settings?
"Button your lip" is more commonly used in informal or casual settings. It may not be appropriate in very formal or professional situations, where a more polite or tactful expression would be preferred.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He needs to button his lip and listen.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Button your lip!' to directly tell someone to be quiet.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- shut up
- mum's the word
- be quiet
- keep silent
- hush
Antonyms
- speak up
- express yourself
- voice your opinion
- open up
- share your thoughts
