Tongue in cheek

Posted by R. Berg November 25, 2001In reply to Phrase posted by bonnie on November 25, 2001

What is the meaning of the phrase "keep tongue in cheek"?

To say something tongue-in-cheek means to say it in a deadpan joking way: you don't intend your words to be taken at face value. Sometimes confused, in print, with "keeping one's tongue in check"--refraining (with some effort) from speaking out.