lip
One of the two soft parts at the edge of your mouth.
Either of the two soft, movable edges forming the opening of the mouth.
Rude or disrespectful words or behavior toward someone, often in authority.
Disrespectful or cheeky speech or behavior toward someone in authority.
The raised edge around something, like a cup or a hole.
A raised or projecting edge around something, such as a container or surface.
- Base: lip
- Plural: lip, lips
bite your lip
1Hold back words or emotion
To press your lip between your teeth to stop yourself from speaking or to hide your feelings.
- She bit her lip to keep from crying.
- He bit his lip, trying not to laugh.
lip service
1Support only in words, not actions
When someone says they support something but does nothing to help it happen.
- The company pays lip service to protecting the environment but does little in practice.
- Politicians often give lip service to education reform.
read my lips
1Listen carefully to what I say
Used to tell someone to listen carefully because you mean exactly what you say.
- Read my lips: you are not going out tonight.
- Read my lips—no new taxes.
keep a stiff upper lip
1Stay brave and unemotional
To not show your feelings when something bad happens.
- Even after losing his job, he kept a stiff upper lip.
- She tried to keep a stiff upper lip during the crisis.
keep a stiff upper lip
1stay unemotional and brave
to stay calm and not complain
- She kept a stiff upper lip through the whole ordeal.
- He told the kids to keep a stiff upper lip and focus on what they could do next.
- I will try to keep a stiff upper lip.
keep a stiff upper lip
2Not show emotion under stress
To not show feelings when something bad happens.
- Even after losing his job, he kept a stiff upper lip.
- She kept a stiff upper lip during the crisis.