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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Talk about upsetting topics, accidental sensitivities, and politely ending an unwanted conversation.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThis story explores button expressions for deliberately or accidentally upsetting someone, telling someone to be quiet, and holding someone in a conversation.
Cultural note: “Button it,” “button your lip,” and “button your mouth” are rude ways to tell someone to be quiet. “Buttonhole someone” can also suggest trapping them in an unwanted conversation, so use it with care.
Keep exploringSome topics are sensitive, and some conversations are hard to escape. Learn the different “button” expressions—and which ones can sound rude.
Phrase guide · 5 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Describe what deliberately or accidentally upsets someone.
Meaning
Say or do something that deliberately upsets a person by touching on a sensitive issue.
Tone & use
Often suggests intention, but people can also accidentally bring up a sensitive topic. Ask or listen rather than assuming.
Example
“He knew the deadline was stressful, so joking about it seemed to push her buttons.”
Meaning
A topic that may easily upset or offend someone.
Tone & use
A neutral way to signal care. You can ask whether someone is comfortable discussing it.
Example
“Money can be a touchy subject, so she asked before bringing up the shared bill.”
Set limits when a conversation is unwanted or too long.
Meaning
Keep someone in a conversation, often when they would rather leave or talk about something else.
Tone & use
Often implies that the person is trapped or held in an unwanted conversation. It can be playful in a harmless context.
Example
“A neighbor buttonholed me by the elevator to discuss the building repairs.”
Meaning
Keep someone from easily leaving a conversation or situation.
Tone & use
Can be literal or figurative; for conversation, it suggests pressure or limited freedom to disengage.
Example
“I realized I had her cornered with work talk, so I said we could continue another time.”
Understand impolite expressions without adopting them.
Recognition caution
Meaning
A rude way to tell someone to stop talking.
Tone & use
Understand it as impolite, not as a polite request. Prefer “Could we pause for a moment?” in respectful conversation.
Example
“In the movie, one character snapped, “Button it!” when his friend interrupted.”
This is impolite; do not use it as a neutral request.
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
Try it · Choose the best expression
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