the mind > emotion > calmness > self-possession or self-control > maintain self-control [verb (intransitive)] > restrain the emotions (2)
In phrases referring to certain actions regarded as indicative of particular states of feeling. to bite one's lip or †on one's lip, (a) to show…
In figurative or allusive phrase to swallow one's spittle: (a) in renderings of Job vii. 19, where the reference is to the difficulty of swallowing…