Definition

Verb (phrasal verb): * To remain silent, especially to deliberately not reveal a secret or information. * To stop talking or refuse to speak about something.

Usage

This phrasal verb is used to instruct or describe the act of maintaining silence. It is often used in imperative form as a direct instruction ("Keep mum!") or in statements about a decision or requirement to stay quiet. It implies a conscious choice not to speak.

Examples

• Imperative Instruction:
  • "This is a surprise, so everyone keep mum about the party!"
  • "If the police ask, just keep mum until your lawyer arrives."
• Descriptive Statement:
  • Despite the pressure, she kept mum about what she had seen.
  • The witness decided to keep mum during the investigation.

Advanced Usage

• "keep mum about something": This is the most common structure, specifying the topic one is silent about.
  • He kept mum about his plans to leave the company.
• "keep mum on something": A less common but acceptable variant with the same meaning.
  • The government is keeping mum on the details of the negotiation.

Variants and Related Words

• Mum (adjective): Silent. (Chiefly British, informal).
  • "You'd better keep mum about this." / "Mum's the word!"
• Mum's the word (idiom): A common saying meaning "this is a secret; say nothing."
  • "I'll tell you, but mum's the word, okay?"

Synonyms

• Keep quiet: To remain silent.
• Stay silent: To not speak.
• Hold one's tongue: To refrain from speaking.
• Clam up (informal): To suddenly become silent, especially when nervous or unwilling to talk.
• Say nothing: To not utter any words.

Antonyms

• Spill the beans (idiom): To reveal a secret.
• Blab: To talk carelessly or reveal secrets.
• Speak up: To speak more loudly or to express one's opinion openly.

Related Idioms

• Mum's the word: An idiom directly derived from "keep mum," used to emphasize the need for secrecy.
  • "We're planning a surprise. Remember, mum's the word!"

Verb

1. refuse to talk or stop talking; fall silent
   • The children shut up when their father approached