Keep your mouth shut
phrase
To not say anything; to keep a secret.
Even if the police ask you about the incident, you need to keep your mouth shut.
Often appears as...
- keep one's mouth shut about something
- better keep your mouth shut
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial, Idiomatic
phrase
To stop talking when it's not appropriate or necessary.
You need to keep your mouth shut during the meeting and let others talk.
Often appears as...
- you should keep your mouth shut
- learn to keep your mouth shut
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To not say anything; to keep a secret.
Even if the police ask you about the incident, you need to keep your mouth shut.
Often appears as...
- keep one's mouth shut about something
- better keep your mouth shut
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial, Idiomatic
phrase
To stop talking when it's not appropriate or necessary.
You need to keep your mouth shut during the meeting and let others talk.
Often appears as...
- you should keep your mouth shut
- learn to keep your mouth shut
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Confidentiality
Use when knowing sensitive info that shouldn’t be shared.
I knew about the surprise party but had to keep my mouth shut.
Pro Tip 2/3Peer Pressure
Can imply resisting the urge to share gossip or secrets.
Everyone else was talking, but I kept my mouth shut about the rumors.
Pro Tip 3/3Consequence Hint
Might suggest potential negative outcomes if you speak.
He hinted that I should keep my mouth shut about the deal.
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