keep mum

Don't say anything

To keep mum is to stay silent, especially about something you know but shouldn't reveal: Keep mum about the surprise party.

The phrase implies discretion or secrecy rather than simply not speaking.

Mum here is an old word for silence, possibly imitating the sound of closed lips.

Related

hush · hold your tongue · sub rosa · sworn · non-disclosure · lips sealed · bite one's tongue · breathe a word · loose lips · covertness · button up · close up · discretion · mute · confidentiality · concealment · reticence · silent

Categories
Opposites
verbal disclosure

keep mumblab

Divulge indiscreetly

spill the beans · tell all · let the cat out of the bag · speak up · reveal

discretion vs. indiscretion

keep mumblab

Divulge indiscreetly

spill the beans · kiss and tell · squeal · gossip · run one's mouth

Family

keep, mum, kept, keeping, mumble, keeps, mumbled, mums, mumbling

Familiarity
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Profile
Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G