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Region: UK | Usage example: His remark was clearly tongue in cheek.

Tongue in cheek

Meaning

Playfully ironic or joking.

Usage

Used when humor accompanies a comment.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Gesture of pressing tongue against cheek to signal joking.

Used in 19th-century British literature.

Related Idioms

Bite your tongue

AVoid saying something unwise or hurtful.

Tongue tied

Unable to speak due to nerves.

Tip of the tongue

Almost able to recall something but not quite.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.