mother-in-law's tongue: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal
Quick answer
What does “mother-in-law's tongue” mean?
A common name for the Sansevieria plant, characterized by long, stiff, upright leaves.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A common name for the Sansevieria plant, characterized by long, stiff, upright leaves.
A hardy houseplant known for its air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive with minimal care; sometimes used metaphorically to describe sharp or critical speech.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties. The plant is equally common in homes and offices.
Connotations
Neutral in both, referring to the plant. No significant cultural difference.
Frequency
Slightly more common in UK gardening contexts, but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “mother-in-law's tongue” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] mother-in-law's tongue [VERB] in the corner.She gave me a [ADJ] mother-in-law's tongue.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Occasionally mentioned in office plant procurement or interior landscaping discussions.
Academic
Used in botany or horticulture texts under the genus Sansevieria.
Everyday
Common in casual conversation about houseplants, gardening tips, or home decor.
Technical
Used in horticultural guides with specifications for light, soil, and water.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mother-in-law's tongue”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mother-in-law's tongue”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mother-in-law's tongue”
- Misspelling as 'mother-in-laws tongue' (incorrect apostrophe).
- Confusing it with other spiky plants like aloe vera.
- Using it as a direct synonym for 'critical speech' without clear metaphorical context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'snake plant' is the most common synonym for mother-in-law's tongue.
The name likely comes from the plant's long, sharp, pointed leaves, humorously compared to a sharp-tongued mother-in-law.
No, it is considered toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
It is a succulent and requires very little water. Water only when the soil is completely dry, often every 2-6 weeks depending on conditions.
A common name for the Sansevieria plant, characterized by long, stiff, upright leaves.
Mother-in-law's tongue is usually informal in register.
Mother-in-law's tongue: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmʌðər ɪn ˈlɔːz ˈtʌŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmʌðər ɪn ˈlɑːz ˈtʌŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Sharp as a mother-in-law's tongue (rare, metaphorical)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the plant's long, pointed leaves looking like sharp tongues, perhaps from a stereotypical critical mother-in-law.
Conceptual Metaphor
PLANT IS A PERSON (with a sharp tongue); RESILIENCE IS TOUGHNESS (of the plant).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'mother-in-law's tongue'?