keep one's mouth shut

Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition

Verb phrase: - To deliberately remain silent; to refrain from speaking, especially to avoid revealing a secret or sensitive information.

Usage

This phrase is an imperative or descriptive verb phrase used to advise or describe the act of maintaining silence to protect confidential information. It is often used in informal contexts. - It is commonly used as a direct piece of advice or a warning: "You need to keep your mouth shut about this." - It can describe a person's ability or failure to do so: "He can't keep his mouth shut."

Examples
Advanced Usage
  • "keep one's lips sealed": A synonymous, slightly more formal or literary variant.
    • You can trust me; my lips are sealed.
  • The phrase often implies a conscious, effortful restraint, not just a lack of something to say.
Variants and Related Words
  • Clam up (phrasal verb): To suddenly become silent, especially when unwilling to talk.
    • He clammed up as soon as the police started asking questions.
  • Hold one's tongue: To refrain from speaking, often to avoid saying something impulsive or rude.
    • It was hard, but I held my tongue during the critique.
Synonyms
  • Keep quiet: To not speak or make noise.
  • Stay silent: To remain without speech.
  • Keep it to oneself: To not share information with others.
Related Idioms
  • Mum's the word: An idiom used to request or promise secrecy.
    • "Mum's the word," she said, winking as she shared the plan.
  • Button one's lip: To stop talking; to keep a secret.
    • You'd better button your lip if you know what's good for you.
Verb
  1. refrain from divulging sensitive information; keep quiet about confidential information
    • Don't tell him any secrets--he cannot keep his mouth shut!

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