Word: Dummy Up
Basic Definition: "Dummy up" is a phrasal verb that means to stop talking or to refuse to speak. When someone "dummies up," they choose to be quiet.
Usage Instructions: 1. Informal Context: This phrase is often used in casual conversations. It can be used to tell someone to be quiet or to indicate that someone has stopped speaking. 2. Situational Use: It can apply in various situations, such as when someone is not sharing information or when they choose not to respond in a conversation.
Examples: 1. When the teacher asked the students about their homework, they all dummied up because they hadn’t done it. 2. During the meeting, when the tough questions came, the manager dummied up and didn’t say anything.
Advanced Usage: In a more advanced context, "dummy up" might be used in discussions about strategy or negotiation, where someone might choose silence over speaking to gain an advantage.
Word Variants: - Dummy (noun): Refers to something that is not real, often used to describe a model or imitation (e.g., a mannequin). - Dummied Up (past tense): Used to describe when someone has already stopped talking in the past.
Different Meaning: - In a different context, "dummy" can refer to a model used for demonstration, such as a "dummy book" that shows what the final published book will look like.
Synonyms: - Shut up - Fall silent - Keep quiet - Hold your tongue
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - Keep mum: This means to remain silent or not to talk about something. - Zip it: An informal way to tell someone to stop talking.
Remember, "dummy up" is a casual phrase and may not be appropriate in formal situations or discussions.