A dictionary of Confusable Phrases: More Than 10,000 Idioms and Collocations

big stick • big sticks
big stick —a display of force or power: Happily the revolu-
tion in Paraguay is too far down in South America to arouse
the “big stick” in Washington.
big sticks —
1
. (Loggers) a forest or trees: Felling one of these
“big sticks” is a dangerous occupation, says Howard, a life-
long logger. 2. (Austral. sl.) Australian rules football goal posts:
Hall gathered a loose ball in a goal-line scrap and snapped be-
tween the big sticks.
big word • little word
big word —
1
. a long word that is difficult to spell: Her gift
[the dictionary] will always be there on the shelf, helping me
to get the big words straight. 2. a rare word, especially when
used in pompous speech: He is using the big words in an at-
tempt to make himself look smart. 3. the most important
word; the key-word: In the majority of the ads for new houses,
“split-level” is the big word, the selling word.
little word —(also: small word) 
1
. a short and simple word:
Jerseymen turn every statement into a question with that little
word “Ay?” 2. (coll.) a short conversation: I want to have a
little word with you about last night. 3. (coll.) a short utter-
ance: If anybody dares say one little word about you, I’ll tend
to them.
bite one’s tongue • bite the tongue
bite one’s tongue —
1
. hold back a remark one was about to
make: The thought … almost slipped out between his lips,
but he bit his tongue in time. 2. refrain from discussing smth.
embarrassing, etc.: However, one recent story proved ex-
tremely hard to bite one’s tongue over.
Note:
The expression is not equivalent in meaning to the phrase
bite one’s lip
— keep back one’s anger, annoyance, etc.; repress
an emotion: It was quiet for a moment, and Robert bit his lip,
trying not to giggle like a little girl.
bite the tongue —(of food) be spicy or pungent: The cheese
has a strong aroma and a lovely salty tang that really bites the
tongue.