Definition

Verb phrase: - To stop talking, especially to stop revealing information or to keep a secret. It implies a deliberate cessation of speech, often to maintain confidentiality or to avoid saying something inappropriate.

Usage

This phrase is a direct and often informal or forceful instruction to stop speaking. It is commonly used in two contexts: 1. To demand silence: Used as a command to tell someone to be quiet. 2. To advise discretion: Used to advise someone to stop talking to avoid revealing a secret or sensitive information.

Examples

• As a command for silence:
  • "Just shut your mouth and listen for a minute!"
  • He told the noisy children to shut their mouths.
• As advice for discretion:
  • If you know what's good for you, you'll shut your mouth about what you saw.
  • She decided to shut her mouth and not mention the surprise party.

Advanced Usage

• "To know when to shut one's mouth": This implies having the wisdom or discretion to remain silent at the appropriate time to avoid trouble.
  • A good politician knows when to shut his mouth.
• Used reflexively: "shut my/your/his/her/our/their mouth".
  • I should have just shut my mouth during the meeting.

Variants and Related Words

• Keep one's mouth shut: A very close synonym, often used interchangeably. It can sound slightly less abrupt than "shut one's mouth".
  • The secret is safe if everyone keeps their mouth shut.
• Button one's lip: An informal idiom with a similar meaning.
• Zip it: A very informal, modern slang equivalent.

Synonyms

• Be quiet
• Hold one's tongue
• Keep silent
• Say nothing

Related Idioms

• Shut your trap: A more informal and sometimes ruder synonym for "shut your mouth".
• Loose lips sink ships: An idiom warning that careless talk can cause serious problems, related to the concept of keeping one's mouth shut.

Verb

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