Staying quiet is something everyone in the USA does at some point. It might be in class when the teacher is talking, at a library, or during a serious moment at home. But instead of saying “be quiet” or “don’t talk,” Americans often use fun phrases or expressions to talk about silence. These are called idioms. Idioms are special sayings where the words don’t always mean what they sound like, but people still know what they mean.
In this article, we’ll look at many idioms that describe silence. These idioms are used in everyday life by people in the USA. Whether someone is being quiet because they’re shy, thoughtful, or just don’t know what to say, these idioms make the English language more fun and colorful. Learning them will help you understand what people really mean when they speak in a creative way.
Idioms for Silence
1. Zip your lip
Meaning: Stay quiet and don’t say anything.
Example Sentence:
– “Mom told us to zip our lips during the movie.”
– “The teacher told the class to zip their lips during the test.”
Other ways to say: Keep quiet, hush up
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the idea of a zipper on your mouth—like closing your lips with a zip.
Usage: Common in classrooms and at home when asking someone to stop talking.
2. Bite your tongue
Meaning: Stop yourself from saying something you want to say.
Example Sentence:
– “I had to bite my tongue when my friend said something silly.”
– “She bit her tongue instead of arguing back.”
Other ways to say: Hold back words, don’t speak
Fun Fact/Origin: It imagines someone stopping their words by actually biting their tongue.
Usage: Used when someone chooses to stay silent, even if they want to speak.
3. Cat got your tongue?
Meaning: Why are you being so quiet?
Example Sentence:
– “You’re usually so talkative—cat got your tongue?”
– “When the teacher asked him a question, he froze. Cat got your tongue?”
Other ways to say: Why so quiet? Lost your words?
Fun Fact/Origin: This old saying may come from sailors or even old stories, but no one knows for sure.
Usage: Often said when someone suddenly goes quiet.
4. Keep it under wraps
Meaning: Keep it a secret or don’t tell anyone.
Example Sentence:
– “We’re throwing Dad a surprise party, so keep it under wraps.”
– “I told my brother to keep my birthday gift under wraps.”
Other ways to say: Keep it secret, don’t spill the beans
Fun Fact/Origin: It comes from wrapping something up to hide it.
Usage: Used when talking about something secret or private.
5. Mum’s the word
Meaning: Don’t tell anyone; stay silent.
Example Sentence:
– “Mum’s the word about the plan. Don’t tell Sarah.”
– “He promised to keep quiet—mum’s the word.”
Other ways to say: Hush-hush, don’t say anything
Fun Fact/Origin: “Mum” is an old word for silence.
Usage: Often used in the USA when someone wants something to stay a surprise.
6. On the down-low
Meaning: Keep something quiet and not well-known.
Example Sentence:
– “Let’s keep our new project on the down-low for now.”
– “They’re dating but keeping it on the down-low.”
Other ways to say: Secret, hush-hush
Fun Fact/Origin: It started in African-American communities and became common slang.
Usage: Mostly used in casual conversation about secrets.
7. Hold your tongue
Meaning: Stay quiet, especially to avoid trouble.
Example Sentence:
– “I wanted to complain, but I held my tongue.”
– “Dad told me to hold my tongue at dinner.”
Other ways to say: Keep quiet, don’t talk back
Fun Fact/Origin: It’s like you’re grabbing your tongue to stop talking.
Usage: Used when someone needs to stay respectful or calm.
8. Button your lip
Meaning: Be quiet or stop talking.
Example Sentence:
– “Button your lip while the movie is playing.”
– “Grandpa told me to button my lip when I got too loud.”
Other ways to say: Hush, zip it
Fun Fact/Origin: Like closing your mouth with a button.
Usage: A playful or strict way to tell someone to be quiet.
9. Put a sock in it
Meaning: Stop talking.
Example Sentence:
– “Put a sock in it, I’m trying to study.”
– “He was so noisy, I told him to put a sock in it.”
Other ways to say: Be quiet, pipe down
Fun Fact/Origin: In the old days, people might put a sock in a gramophone to muffle the sound.
Usage: Used when someone wants quiet, sometimes in a joking way.
10. Dead silent
Meaning: Very, very quiet.
Example Sentence:
– “The room was dead silent after the loud crash.”
– “It was dead silent in the woods at night.”
Other ways to say: Silent as a grave, no sound
Fun Fact/Origin: “Dead” means no life or noise—so this phrase means total silence.
Usage: Used when describing a place with no noise at all.
11. Quiet as a mouse
Meaning: Extremely quiet
Example Sentence:
– “She was quiet as a mouse during the whole movie.”
– “The kids were quiet as a mouse, hoping not to get caught.”
Other ways to say: Silent, very still
Fun Fact/Origin: Mice make very little noise, so the phrase means almost no sound.
Usage: Often used when someone is being super quiet on purpose.
12. Hush-hush
Meaning: Meant to be kept secret
Example Sentence:
– “The new project is hush-hush, so don’t tell anyone.”
– “Everything about the surprise was hush-hush.”
Other ways to say: Secret, top secret
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the word “hush,” which means to be quiet.
Usage: Used when something is supposed to stay private.
13. Tight-lipped
Meaning: Not sharing any information
Example Sentence:
– “She stayed tight-lipped about the surprise.”
– “He was tight-lipped during the police interview.”
Other ways to say: Silent, closed-mouth
Fun Fact/Origin: If your lips are tight, you can’t speak—simple as that.
Usage: Used when someone refuses to talk or give details.
14. The silent treatment
Meaning: Refusing to speak to someone as a way of showing anger
Example Sentence:
– “After the fight, she gave her brother the silent treatment.”
– “He’s giving me the silent treatment because I borrowed his game.”
Other ways to say: Cold shoulder, ignoring
Fun Fact/Origin: It became common in the USA in the early 1900s.
Usage: Used when someone is mad and won’t talk.
15. Not a peep
Meaning: Not a single sound
Example Sentence:
– “There wasn’t a peep from the audience during the speech.”
– “The baby didn’t make a peep all night.”
Other ways to say: Total silence, quiet as can be
Fun Fact/Origin: “Peep” is a tiny sound, like a baby bird might make.
Usage: Used when no one makes a sound.
16. Stay quiet
Meaning: Don’t make any noise or speak
Example Sentence:
– “The teacher asked the class to stay quiet during the test.”
– “Let’s stay quiet and see if the deer comes closer.”
Other ways to say: Be still, don’t speak
Fun Fact/Origin: Just a simple phrase with no strange origin.
Usage: Common in schools, homes, and libraries.
17. Seal your lips
Meaning: Don’t tell the secret
Example Sentence:
– “I told you my secret, so seal your lips.”
– “She sealed her lips about the plan.”
Other ways to say: Keep it to yourself, stay silent
Fun Fact/Origin: Like zipping or locking your lips shut
Usage: Used when asking someone to keep quiet about something.
18. Keep your mouth shut
Meaning: Don’t talk, especially about something private
Example Sentence:
– “Keep your mouth shut or you’ll ruin the surprise.”
– “He told me to keep my mouth shut about what I saw.”
Other ways to say: Don’t speak, hush
Fun Fact/Origin: A strong way to tell someone not to talk
Usage: Often used when someone wants you to keep a secret.
19. Stone silent
Meaning: Completely quiet
Example Sentence:
– “He stayed stone silent when the teacher asked who did it.”
– “The forest was stone silent after the storm.”
Other ways to say: Totally quiet, no sound
Fun Fact/Origin: Stones don’t make noise, so being “stone silent” means no sound at all.
Usage: Used to describe a person or place that is very quiet.
20. Dumbstruck
Meaning: So surprised or shocked that you can’t speak
Example Sentence:
– “He was dumbstruck when he saw the huge cake.”
– “The crowd was dumbstruck after the team lost.”
Other ways to say: Speechless, frozen
Fun Fact/Origin: “Dumb” used to mean someone couldn’t speak.
Usage: Used when something is shocking or unexpected.
21. Keep a lid on it
Meaning: Don’t tell or share any news
Example Sentence:
– “Keep a lid on it—nobody knows about the field trip yet.”
– “She kept a lid on the surprise until the right moment.”
Other ways to say: Keep it secret, don’t spread the news
Fun Fact/Origin: A lid keeps things from spilling out—just like secrets.
Usage: Common in casual talk.
22. Say nothing
Meaning: Don’t speak or give any response
Example Sentence:
– “He just sat there and said nothing.”
– “If you see something wrong, don’t just say nothing.”
Other ways to say: Stay quiet, keep silent
Fun Fact/Origin: Very basic and clear English phrase
Usage: Common in all situations.
23. Go silent
Meaning: Stop speaking suddenly
Example Sentence:
– “She went silent when the teacher asked about her homework.”
– “He went silent after the loud noise.”
Other ways to say: Shut down, stop talking
Fun Fact/Origin: Means a person just stops talking—no more words
Usage: Used to show quick silence.
24. Keep your voice down
Meaning: Speak quietly
Example Sentence:
– “Keep your voice down—Grandpa is sleeping.”
– “We had to keep our voices down at the library.”
Other ways to say: Whisper, talk softly
Fun Fact/Origin: Used when loud voices aren’t okay
Usage: Common in public or quiet places.
25. Stay hush
Meaning: Stay very quiet
Example Sentence:
– “Stay hush so we don’t wake the baby.”
– “He told everyone to stay hush during the speech.”
Other ways to say: Be silent, stay quiet
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from “hush,” which means to be quiet.
Usage: Often used in situations needing silence.
26. Silent as the grave
Meaning: Extremely quiet
Example Sentence:
– “After the teacher walked in, the class was silent as the grave.”
– “The house was silent as the grave at night.”
Other ways to say: Dead silent, totally quiet
Fun Fact/Origin: Graves are known as quiet places, with no sound
Usage: Used to describe moments of complete silence.
27. Not say a word
Meaning: Don’t speak at all
Example Sentence:
– “He didn’t say a word the whole ride home.”
– “She promised not to say a word about the surprise.”
Other ways to say: Stay silent, keep quiet
Fun Fact/Origin: Very old and common phrase in English
Usage: Used when someone keeps something to themselves.
28. Keep it quiet
Meaning: Don’t let others know
Example Sentence:
– “Let’s keep it quiet until we’re ready to share.”
– “He kept it quiet that he was moving.”
Other ways to say: Don’t talk about it, hush-hush
Fun Fact/Origin: Popular in American slang
Usage: Used in both casual and serious situations.
29. Play it close to the vest
Meaning: Keep information private
Example Sentence:
– “She played it close to the vest about her big plans.”
– “He didn’t tell anyone—he played it close to the vest.”
Other ways to say: Stay private, be secretive
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from card games, where players hide their cards
Usage: Used when people don’t share their thoughts.
30. Say it in a whisper
Meaning: Speak very softly
Example Sentence:
– “She said it in a whisper so no one else could hear.”
– “The kids whispered their answers during the game.”
Other ways to say: Speak softly, talk quietly
Fun Fact/Origin: Whispering is common in libraries or quiet zones
Usage: Used when quiet speech is needed.
31. Lock your lips
Meaning: Don’t talk or tell a secret
Example Sentence:
– “Lock your lips and don’t tell anyone.”
– “He locked his lips about the party.”
Other ways to say: Zip it, hush
Fun Fact/Origin: Like locking your mouth shut with a key
Usage: Used for staying quiet, often about secrets.
32. Don’t breathe a word
Meaning: Don’t say anything to anyone
Example Sentence:
– “Don’t breathe a word of this to anyone.”
– “She didn’t breathe a word about what happened.”
Other ways to say: Say nothing, keep it secret
Fun Fact/Origin: It means not even the tiniest sound should be made
Usage: Used when something must stay private.
33. Speak in hushed tones
Meaning: Speak very quietly
Example Sentence:
– “They spoke in hushed tones at the museum.”
– “He used hushed tones so no one else could hear.”
Other ways to say: Whisper, talk low
Fun Fact/Origin: Used in places where noise is not allowed
Usage: Often heard in serious or respectful settings.
34. Like pulling teeth
Meaning: Very hard to get someone to talk
Example Sentence:
– “Getting him to answer was like pulling teeth.”
– “It was like pulling teeth trying to get her to talk.”
Other ways to say: Hard to make talk, not easy to speak
Fun Fact/Origin: Pulling teeth is painful and slow—like someone who won’t talk
Usage: Used when someone avoids talking.
35. Speechless
Meaning: Unable to speak from surprise or emotion
Example Sentence:
– “She was speechless when she won the prize.”
– “He stood speechless after hearing the news.”
Other ways to say: Lost for words, dumbstruck
Fun Fact/Origin: Simple word for someone too shocked to speak
Usage: Used when someone is too surprised to talk.
36. Say nothing more
Meaning: Don’t add anything else
Example Sentence:
– “He told the story and said nothing more.”
– “She looked upset and said nothing more.”
Other ways to say: Stay silent, that’s it
Fun Fact/Origin: Common phrase in storytelling
Usage: Used when no more words are added.
37. Clam up
Meaning: Suddenly stop talking
Example Sentence:
– “He clammed up when the police arrived.”
– “She clammed up when asked about her day.”
Other ways to say: Shut down, go silent
Fun Fact/Origin: Like a clam that closes tight
Usage: Used when someone suddenly goes quiet.
38. Hold back words
Meaning: Choose not to say something
Example Sentence:
– “He held back his words during the meeting.”
– “She wanted to speak but held back her words.”
Other ways to say: Stay silent, keep it in
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used when people control their speech
Usage: When someone thinks before they speak.
39. Still as a statue
Meaning: Very still and quiet
Example Sentence:
– “He was still as a statue during the game.”
– “They were still as statues, hoping not to be seen.”
Other ways to say: Not moving, quiet as can be
Fun Fact/Origin: Statues don’t move or talk
Usage: Used to describe someone or something very still.
40. Say less
Meaning: Stop talking or don’t say anything more
Example Sentence:
– “Say less. I get what you mean.”
– “He told me to say less about the plan.”
Other ways to say: Enough said, got it
Fun Fact/Origin: Popular slang phrase in the USA
Usage: Casual way to tell someone to stop talking.
41. Keep things to yourself
Meaning: Don’t share your thoughts or secrets
Example Sentence:
– “She kept things to herself and didn’t tell anyone how she felt.”
– “He always keeps things to himself at school.”
Other ways to say: Stay quiet, hold it in
Fun Fact/Origin: Used when someone doesn’t open up to others
Usage: Common in everyday conversation.
42. Say it under your breath
Meaning: Speak so softly that others can barely hear
Example Sentence:
– “He said the answer under his breath.”
– “She whispered a joke under her breath.”
Other ways to say: Whisper, mumble
Fun Fact/Origin: Often done when someone wants to speak quietly without being heard
Usage: Used when someone is being sneaky or shy.
43. Closed-mouth
Meaning: Someone who doesn’t talk much or share
Example Sentence:
– “He’s a closed-mouth person, always keeping things inside.”
– “She’s closed-mouth when it comes to her plans.”
Other ways to say: Tight-lipped, private
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to a person who literally keeps their mouth shut
Usage: Used to describe a quiet or private person.
44. As quiet as a shadow
Meaning: So quiet you don’t even notice them
Example Sentence:
– “He moved through the room as quiet as a shadow.”
– “The cat came in as quiet as a shadow.”
Other ways to say: Very still, unnoticed
Fun Fact/Origin: Shadows don’t make noise, so it means very quiet movement
Usage: Used in stories or calm moments.
45. Say no more
Meaning: I understand, you don’t have to explain
Example Sentence:
– “Say no more—I know what you mean.”
– “She nodded and said, ‘Say no more.’”
Other ways to say: Got it, I understand
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used to stop a conversation once enough has been said
Usage: Friendly or casual tone.
46. Not utter a sound
Meaning: Stay completely silent
Example Sentence:
– “The children didn’t utter a sound during the scary part.”
– “She didn’t utter a sound while hiding.”
Other ways to say: Say nothing, be totally quiet
Fun Fact/Origin: “Utter” means to make a sound or speak
Usage: Used in serious or tense moments.
47. Keep your lips sealed
Meaning: Don’t tell a secret
Example Sentence:
– “Keep your lips sealed about the gift.”
– “He promised to keep his lips sealed.”
Other ways to say: Don’t talk, stay quiet
Fun Fact/Origin: Similar to locking your lips
Usage: Often said when someone is trusted with private info.
48. Stay mum
Meaning: Stay silent
Example Sentence:
– “He stayed mum during the meeting.”
– “She stayed mum about the plan.”
Other ways to say: Be quiet, don’t say anything
Fun Fact/Origin: “Mum” is an old English word for silence
Usage: Still used in American English today.
49. A wallflower
Meaning: Someone who stays quiet and out of attention
Example Sentence:
– “She was a wallflower at the dance.”
– “He’s a wallflower at parties—he never speaks much.”
Other ways to say: Shy person, quiet type
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from people standing by the wall at dances
Usage: Used for shy or quiet people.
50. Don’t make a sound
Meaning: Stay completely quiet
Example Sentence:
– “Don’t make a sound or they’ll find us.”
– “She didn’t make a sound when sneaking out.”
Other ways to say: Stay silent, quiet down
Fun Fact/Origin: Simple way to tell someone to be silent
Usage: Common in games or serious moments.
51. Walk on eggshells
Meaning: Be very careful and quiet to not upset someone
Example Sentence:
– “We had to walk on eggshells around Dad when he was mad.”
– “She felt like she was walking on eggshells in class.”
Other ways to say: Be extra careful, speak softly
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of not breaking fragile eggs
Usage: Used in emotional or tense situations.
52. Whisper sweet nothings
Meaning: Say soft, loving words quietly
Example Sentence:
– “They whispered sweet nothings during the movie.”
– “He whispered sweet nothings to make her smile.”
Other ways to say: Quiet love talk, gentle words
Fun Fact/Origin: Popular in romance stories and movies
Usage: Used in loving or romantic moments.
53. Keep a secret
Meaning: Don’t tell something private
Example Sentence:
– “Can you keep a secret about my birthday wish?”
– “He promised to keep a secret for his friend.”
Other ways to say: Don’t share, stay quiet
Fun Fact/Origin: Common phrase used with trust
Usage: Used when people trust others with personal info.
54. Stay off the radar
Meaning: Keep quiet and unnoticed
Example Sentence:
– “He stayed off the radar all summer.”
– “She stayed off the radar to avoid attention.”
Other ways to say: Lay low, be unseen
Fun Fact/Origin: From airplane tracking—radar doesn’t see you
Usage: Used when someone avoids attention.
55. Lower your voice
Meaning: Speak more quietly
Example Sentence:
– “Please lower your voice in the hallway.”
– “He lowered his voice to avoid waking the baby.”
Other ways to say: Talk softer, quiet down
Fun Fact/Origin: Common phrase in classrooms and homes
Usage: Used when someone is speaking too loudly.
56. Not a sound
Meaning: Total silence
Example Sentence:
– “There wasn’t a sound in the whole house.”
– “The classroom made not a sound after the bell.”
Other ways to say: Dead silent, quiet as can be
Fun Fact/Origin: Very basic phrase to show stillness
Usage: Used to describe peaceful or serious quiet.
57. Take a vow of silence
Meaning: Choose not to speak for a time
Example Sentence:
– “He took a vow of silence for a day.”
– “The character in the movie took a vow of silence.”
Other ways to say: Stay silent, promise not to speak
Fun Fact/Origin: Some monks and groups do this by choice
Usage: Used in stories or special situations.
58. Shut your trap
Meaning: Be quiet (a bit rude or funny)
Example Sentence:
– “Shut your trap, I’m trying to think.”
– “He told his brother to shut his trap during the movie.”
Other ways to say: Zip it, button up
Fun Fact/Origin: “Trap” is old slang for mouth
Usage: Can be playful or mean, depending how it’s said.
Quiz: Idioms for Silence
Instructions: Choose the correct meaning for each idiom. Pick the best answer from A, B, or C.
Question Key
1. What does “zip your lip” mean?
a) Open your mouth wide
b) Talk loudly
c) Be quiet
2. What does “cat got your tongue?” usually mean?
a) You are meowing
b) You are quiet and not talking
c) You are sleepy
3. If someone says “bite your tongue,” what should you do?
a) Speak up fast
b) Say something silly
c) Hold back what you were about to say
4. What does “put a sock in it” mean?
a) Hide your shoes
b) Stop talking
c) Warm up your feet
5. “Button your lip” means…
a) Put on lip balm
b) Keep quiet
c) Smile
6. What does “dead silent” describe?
a) Super loud noise
b) Complete silence
c) A broken radio
7. If someone is “tight-lipped,” they are…
a) Smiling a lot
b) Not talking
c) Singing loudly
8. “Mum’s the word” is said when…
a) Someone should speak more
b) You want them to whisper
c) You want them to stay silent about something
9. If you “hold your tongue,” you…
a) Say mean things
b) Stay quiet
c) Eat food
10. “Keep it under wraps” means to…
a) Wrap a gift
b) Hide something quietly
c) Eat a sandwich
11. When someone “clams up,” they…
a) Start dancing
b) Laugh loudly
c) Suddenly stop talking
12. “Not a peep” means…
a) A baby bird is chirping
b) You want total silence
c) Something is broken
13. “On the down-low” means…
a) On the floor
b) Something private or secret
c) Speaking loudly
14. “Give the silent treatment” means…
a) Refuse to talk to someone
b) Go to the doctor
c) Buy a gift
15. “Seal your lips” is a way of saying…
a) Speak louder
b) Lock your lips and not talk
c) Sing
16. “Stone silent” means…
a) Loud as thunder
b) Very quiet
c) Making music
17. If you “say nothing,” you are…
a) Speaking in a whisper
b) Making a speech
c) Silent
18. “Button your lip” is something you say when…
a) Someone is being loud
b) Someone is sleeping
c) You want someone to smile
19. “Whisper sweet nothings” means…
a) Say mean things quietly
b) Say kind or loving things softly
c) Stay mad
20. “Walk on eggshells” means…
a) Eat carefully
b) Be noisy
c) Be careful not to upset someone
21. “Lower your voice” is what you say when…
a) Someone is yelling
b) Someone is whispering
c) You want to dance
22. “Don’t breathe a word” means…
a) Speak fast
b) Talk to everyone
c) Keep it a secret
23. “Say no more” means…
a) Keep talking
b) I understand you
c) Please explain
24. “Still as a statue” means…
a) Not moving or talking
b) Dancing a lot
c) Laughing loud
25. “Shut your trap” means…
a) Close a cage
b) Be quiet
c) Go to sleep
Answer Key
- c) Be quiet
- b) You are quiet and not talking
- c) Hold back what you were about to say
- b) Stop talking
- b) Keep quiet
- b) Complete silence
- b) Not talking
- c) You want them to stay silent about something
- b) Stay quiet
- b) Hide something quietly
- c) Suddenly stop talking
- b) You want total silence
- b) Something private or secret
- a) Refuse to talk to someone
- b) Lock your lips and not talk
- b) Very quiet
- c) Silent
- a) Someone is being loud
- b) Say kind or loving things softly
- c) Be careful not to upset someone
- a) Someone is yelling
- c) Keep it a secret
- b) I understand you
- a) Not moving or talking
- b) Be quiet
Wrapping Up
Learning idioms for silence helps us understand how people in the USA speak in real life. These sayings are used in homes, schools, and everywhere in between. They make language more fun and sometimes even a little funny.
The next time someone tells you to “zip your lip” or gives you the “silent treatment,” you’ll know exactly what they mean. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll sound like a natural speaker too.
