Practice not being too literal # 57

Question

As my title says, I am trying to learn to not be literal in translations, so every day I will post a saying in English and ask for suggestions as to how to convey the thought in Spanish. At the end of the day, I will pick the answer that I think most accurately reflects the idea, and I will choose it as best answer for 20 points to the respondent.

Today's phrase is, "bite your tongue."

Have fun!

Answer 1

Cállete la boca, tonto! (Shut upa yo mouth, fool)

For fool I like the word necio. - gringojrf, Oct 10, 2012

Answer 2

Abstenerse de hablar.

Refrain from speaking.

So formal. Sounds like a school teacher. I haven't heard "refrain" in years. - gringojrf, Oct 10, 2012

Well said. Very polite. - annierats, Oct 10, 2012

But "bite your tongue" isnt polite, its a little brusco, wouldnt you say? - JoseFresco, Oct 10, 2012

Answer 3

Cierra el pico or muérdete la lengua or hazte el muerto

Answer 4

bite your tongue / morderse la lengua

Don't say something that is best unsaid.

No diga algo que es mejor no dicho.

Answer 5

Si no puedes decir algo bien, no digas nada.

If you can't say something good, don't say anything.

Answer 6

Es mejor parecer tonto y no hablar, que hablar y despejar todas las dudas.

It's better to seem stupid and keep yourmouth shut, than to open it and dispel all doubts.

I'very busy and hence the same answer is used on several questions, I had no idea how easy this could be.. - annierats, Oct 10, 2012

:) - ian-hill, Oct 10, 2012

Oh, I like that, Annie! : ) - rac1, Oct 10, 2012

Great quote, Annie! - Noetol, Oct 10, 2012

Answer 7

Rather than saying something unpleasant keep it to yourself. En lugar de decir algo desagradable mantenerlo a usted mismo Bite your tounge and keep it to yourself.

Answer 8

¡No me digas eso! Don't say that (to me).