Idiom: Watch your tongue
What I want to do today is introduce the English idiom watch your tongue, which is similar to the idea of speak no evil.
Most of my readers will know the three monkeys or the three wise monkeys and their proverb, ‘hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil.’
In English-speaking countries, mothers often scold their children with the words, “Watch your tongue!”
Watch your tongue means you should be mindful of what you say and to whom you say it.
We should not say mean things or tell secrets.
Parents often use it when their children say something they shouldn’t, such as a comment on someone’s appearance or use a four-letter word.
One of the hazards of being around little kids is that you never know what they will say.
Young children haven’t learned the norms of social interaction.
As a result, they often ask embarrassing questions such as, ‘Mommy, why is that man’s nose so red?’ or ‘How come you’re not married yet?’.
A kid will usually ask these questions in a booming voice, which causes even more embarrassment for all the adults involved.
The victims turn red and don’t know how to respond.
The mothers and fathers begin to apologize and tell their children, “Watch your tongue!”
Little boys and girls pick up bad habits from TV shows or older children around them.
In these cases, to watch your mouth is often said to them.
Watch your tongue is a way to admonish them and let them know that they should be mindful of what they say and to whom they say it.
While I’m on the subject, I should also mention that there are more than a few politicians in Japan and overseas who should listen to this favourite advice to watch your tongue.
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