keep one's mouth shut
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Meaning · English
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
Where it’s used:
Used
Widespread English
Sources & notes
Listed in Wiktionary’s “English idioms” category (retrieved 2026-07-29); definition pending editorial review.
Equivalents & related
Near equivalent
lặng thinh
(verb) to keep quiet; to keep one's mouth shut; to hold one's tongue; to not say a word
Tiếng Việt
Near equivalent
tọc mạch
(verb) to poke one's nose into others' affairs then not keep one's mouth shut
Tiếng Việt
Near equivalent
hold one's tongue
To remain silent or refrain from speaking
English · via lặng thinh
Near equivalent
poke one's nose into
To interfere or meddle in someone else's business
English · via tọc mạch
Lighter cards are two steps away in the meaning graph — equivalents of equivalents, reached via the entry shown on the card.
Common questions
What does “keep one's mouth shut” mean?
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
Is “keep one's mouth shut” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.
What is the closest equivalent?
“lặng thinh” (Tiếng Việt) — near equivalent.