hold one's tongue, cat got your tongue?, slip of the tongue

Formal and Informal Expressions of tongues

In different contexts, you can replace 'tongues' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'language, speech' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'talk, chatter' is a commonplace synonym.

tongues: Explore its Definition & Usage

tongues Definition

the fleshy muscular organ in the mouth of a mammal, used for tasting, licking, swallowing, and (in humans) articulating speech..

Using tongues: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tongues" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The baby stuck out its tongue.
Example
He spoke in his native tongue.
Example
She is fluent in several tongues.

tongues Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for tongues

Phrases with tongues

hold one's tongue
refrain from speaking or expressing an opinion.
Example
I had to hold my tongue and not say what I really thought.
cat got your tongue?
used to ask someone why they are not saying anything when you think they should be talking
Example
Why aren't you answering me? Cat got your tongue?
slip of the tongue
an unintentional mistake made while speaking
Example
I didn't mean to say that. It was just a slip of the tongue.

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Summary: tongues in Brief

The term 'tongues' [tʌŋz] refers to the fleshy muscular organ in the mouth of a mammal, used for tasting, licking, swallowing, and (in humans) articulating speech. It also means 'language,' exemplified by 'He spoke in his native tongue.' Phrases like 'hold one's tongue' and 'cat got your tongue?' denote refraining from speaking and asking why someone is not talking, respectively.