Phrase guide

keep one's mouth shut

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To keep a secret; to refrain from speaking indiscreetly or carelessly; broadly, to refrain from speaking altogether.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • Near-synonym: keep it in the family

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: keep one's lips sealed, keep one's own counsel, STFU, STFD, clam up, zip it, keep it in the family

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

refrain from divulging sensitive information; keep quiet about confidential information

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • Don't tell him any secrets--he cannot keep his mouth shut!

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: keep quiet, shut one's mouth

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

9 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Danish: holde kæft — Translations
  • Finnish: pitää suunsa kiinni — Translations
  • Finnish: pitää suu kiinni — Translations
  • Italian: tenere la bocca chiusa — Translations
  • Polish: trzymać buzię na kłódkę — Translations
  • Romanian: își ține gura — Translations
  • Russian: держа́ть язы́к за зуба́ми (deržátʹ jazýk za zubámi) — Translations
  • Swedish: hålla käften — Translations
  • Swedish: hålla käft — Translations