Definition

1. Verb:
   • To remain silent or to not speak, especially about a particular matter.
   • To refrain from divulging sensitive or confidential information.

Usage

• This verb phrase is used to instruct or describe the action of not speaking or revealing information.
• It often implies a conscious choice or effort to maintain secrecy or silence.
• It can be used in the imperative form as a direct instruction (e.g., "Keep quiet!").

Examples

• Verb:
  • Please keep quiet during the examination.
  • She promised to keep quiet about the surprise party.
  • If you want to avoid trouble, you should keep quiet about what you saw.

Advanced Usage

• "to keep someone/something quiet": This variant means to prevent someone from talking or to prevent information from becoming known, often involving some form of management or payment.
  • The company paid a settlement to keep the former employee quiet.
• "to keep it quiet": A common phrase meaning to keep a specific piece of information secret.
  • They're engaged, but they want to keep it quiet until next month.

Variants and Related Words

• Keep silent (verb phrase): A close synonym, often interchangeable, emphasizing the absence of speech.
• Hush (verb/noun): To make or become quiet; a period of silence.
• Keep one's mouth shut (idiomatic verb phrase): To say nothing, especially about a secret. (As referenced in the context: "he cannot keep his mouth shut!")

Synonyms

• Remain silent: To continue not speaking.
• Stay mum: (Informal) To remain silent, especially to keep a secret.
• Hold one's tongue: To refrain from speaking.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

• Keep down: While primarily meaning to suppress or control, it can sometimes relate to keeping noise or information under control in specific contexts.
  • Keep your voice down, please. (This relates to quietness but not directly to secrecy.)

Related Idioms

• Keep a secret: To not tell a secret to anyone.
  • Can you keep a secret? I have some important news.
• Keep under wraps: To keep something secret or hidden.
  • The new product design is being kept under wraps.
• Keep one's own counsel: To keep one's thoughts, plans, or opinions secret.
  • She rarely shares her plans; she prefers to keep her own counsel.

Verb

1. refrain from divulging sensitive information; keep quiet about confidential information
   • Don't tell him any secrets--he cannot keep his mouth shut!