He bites his tongue who speaks in haste.

This saying is commonly presented in English as a “Turkish proverb,” reflecting a long-standing tradition in Turkish oral culture of teaching prudence through vivid, bodily imagery. Like many proverbs circulating in Anatolia and the wider Ottoman/Turkish cultural sphere, it functions as practical social guidance: conversation is a moral act with consequences, and haste in speech can cause immediate harm (to oneself) as well as social damage (to others). The image of literally biting one’s tongue underscores that the penalty for impulsive talk is often self-inflicted—regret, embarrassment, or conflict that could have been avoided by pausing before speaking.

The proverb warns that speaking too quickly leads to mistakes—saying something inaccurate, unkind, or ill-timed—and that the harm rebounds on the speaker. “Biting one’s tongue” works both as a physical metaphor (words can trip you up) and as a moral lesson: restraint is a form of wisdom. The line implies that silence or deliberation is safer than impulsive expression, especially in moments of anger or excitement. More broadly, it elevates self-control as a social virtue: careful speech preserves dignity, prevents needless quarrels, and keeps relationships intact.