keep mum

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Explanation of "Keep Mum"

Definition: The phrase "keep mum" means to stay quiet or not say anything about something. It is often used when someone is asked to not share information or to keep a secret.

Advanced Usage:

In more formal contexts, you might say, "He decided to keep mum about the details of the project." This shows that someone is intentionally not disclosing information.

Word Variants:

• Mum: This term is often used in British English, and it means "silent" or "quiet."
• To keep quiet: This is a synonym that means the same thing as "keep mum."

Different Meaning:

• The word "mum" can also refer to a mother in informal conversation, especially in British English. However, in the context of "keep mum," it strictly means to remain silent.

Synonyms:

• Keep silent
• Stay quiet
• Hold your tongue
• Keep it to yourself

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Hold your tongue: This means to stop yourself from speaking or saying something.
• Bite your tongue: This is another idiom that means to avoid saying something that you want to say.

Summary:

"Keep mum" is a useful phrase to know when discussing the importance of keeping information private or being silent about something.

Academic

Verb

1. refuse to talk or stop talking; fall silent
   • The children shut up when their father approached

Synonyms

• close up
• clam up
• dummy up
• shut up
• belt up
• button up
• be quiet