tacit understanding
Silent mutual knowledge
A tacit understanding is an unspoken agreement or shared knowledge between parties, arrived at without explicit discussion.
The understanding exists through implication, context, or mutual assumption rather than direct communication: There was a tacit understanding that she would take over when he retired.
The phrase often describes workplace dynamics, relationships, or social arrangements where certain expectations go without saying.
- silent agreementConsent conveyed without words
- subtextImplicit meaning beneath words
- lookDirect one's gaze
- body languageUnspoken physical expression
- silenceTotal lack of sound
reading between · nod · social cues · nudge nudge · knowing · knowing look · intuition · touch · wink · glance · raised eyebrow · facial expressions · unsaid · empathy · on the same page · shorthand · complicity · teamwork
- subtexthidden meaning, implied meaning, veiled meaning, subtext, innuendo
- legal presumptionspresumption, presumption of innocence, presumption of death
tacit understandingformal contract
Legally enforceable written agreement
legal agreement · binding contract · notarized document · contractual obligation · memorandum of understanding
tacit understandingmisunderstanding
Failure to grasp meaning
miscommunication · confusion · crossed wires · disagreement · disconnect