close-mouthed

She remained close-mouthed about her surprise plans.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Tending to speak very little; not revealing one's thoughts or feelings freely: "close-mouthed" describes a person who is reticent, secretive, or habitually silent about matters that might be discussed openly. It implies a deliberate withholding of information or opinion.
   • Not inclined to gossip or share personal details: A "close-mouthed" individual avoids casual talk about private matters, often out of caution, prudence, or a reserved personality.

Usage Examples

• (He did not reveal any details about his weekend plans.)
• (The witness spoke very little, keeping information secret.)
• (She is habitually reserved and does not share personal information.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be close-mouthed on a topic": To remain silent or uncommunicative about a particular subject.

  • The politician was close-mouthed on the issue of tax reform. (He avoided discussing the matter openly.)

• "to keep close-mouthed": To maintain silence or secrecy.

  • We decided to keep close-mouthed about the surprise party. (We agreed not to reveal any information about it.)

Variants and Related Words

• Close-mouthedness (noun): The quality or state of being close-mouthed.
  • His close-mouthedness made him a reliable confidant. (His tendency to keep secrets made him trustworthy.)
• Mouth (noun): The opening through which speech is produced; related metaphorically to speaking.
  • He put his foot in his mouth. (He said something embarrassing; note: this is an idiom, not a direct variant.)

Synonyms

• Reticent: Not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily.
• Secretive: Inclined to conceal feelings or information.
• Taciturn: Habitually untalkative or silent.
• Reserved: Tending to keep one's feelings or thoughts private.

Antonyms

• Talkative: Fond of talking freely.
• Garrulous: Excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters.
• Open: Willing to share thoughts and feelings.

Related Idioms

• Tight-lipped: Unwilling to reveal information; similar in meaning to "close-mouthed."
  • He was tight-lipped about his involvement in the project. (He refused to discuss it.)
• Mum is the word: An expression used to urge silence or secrecy.
  • Don't tell anyone about this; mum is the word. (Keep it secret.)

Note: "Close-mouthed" is often used interchangeably with "tight-lipped," but "close-mouthed" may imply a more deliberate or cautious silence, while "tight-lipped" can suggest tension or reluctance.