Meaning of civil tongue | Babel Free

Definitions

A polite manner of speaking.

idiomatic

Examples

“"[T]here would not have been the least offence had the youth only possessed a civil tongue."”

“"Mister Duane," began Bosomer, in low, stinging tones, "I happen to be Luke Stevens's side-pardner. . . . An' I want the hoss an' them guns," he shouted. "You or anybody else can have them, for all I care. I just fetched them in. But the pack is mine," replied Duane. "And say, I befriended your pard. If you can't use a civil tongue you'd better cinch it."”

“They sang "good morrow" in reply, making sure they addressed him with a civil tongue; they, after all, wanted a tip for their good service.”

CEFR level