(idiomatic) Used to tell someone to control their (bad) temper

A general tendency or orientation towards a certain type of mood, a volatile state; a habitual way of thinking, behaving or reacting. / State of mind; mood. / A tendency to become angry.

To moderate or control. / To strengthen or toughen a material, especially metal, by heat treatment; anneal.

Capable of being tempered.

The ability to be tempered.

plural of temperance

The characteristic of being temperate.

Habitual moderation in regard to the indulgence of the natural appetites and passions; restrained or moderate indulgence / Moderation, and sometimes abstinence, in respect to using intoxicating liquors.

(obsolete) To render temperate; to moderate

Moderate; not excessive / Moderate in the indulgence of the natural appetites or passions / Proceeding from temperance. / Living in an environment that is temperate, not extreme.