To cover your mouth is to put a hand over the lips in shock. Cover your mouth and stare.
It is also good manners when coughing, and the elbow is now taught instead of the hand. To cover your mouth in surprise is one of the most widely shared gestures there is.
1phrasecover your mouthTo put a hand over the lips in shock.
“She would cover your mouth rather than laugh out loud in a meeting.”
cover your mouth is a gesture.
Practised in Body Language & Gestures