IdiomDaily Life
English
Englishmum's the word
Meaning: Keep this secret; say nothing.
Example: “We're planning a surprise party, so mum's the word.”
Origin: "Mum" imitates the sound made with closed lips. It is found in Shakespeare's Henry VI, Part 2 (around 1591): "Seal up your lips and give no words but mum."
Equivalents in other languages
Italian: Acqua in bocca Literally: Water in the mouth
Romanian: A tăcea ca porcul în păpușoi Literally: To stay silent like a pig in the cornfield
Polish: trzymać buzię na kłódkę Literally: To hold one's mouth on a padlock
French: Motus et bouche cousue Literally: Motus and mouth sewn shut
More English idioms
- hale and hearty Healthy and strong, especially in old age.
- find one's sea legs To get used to a boat's movement; to grow comfortable in a new situation.
- break a leg Good luck, said to a performer before going on stage.
- hey presto Said when something happens suddenly, as if by magic.
- set the cat among the pigeons To say or do something that causes trouble or uproar.
- storm clouds are gathering Trouble is coming.
Explore another collection: Untranslatable Words
Words that capture a feeling or idea English needs a whole sentence for.
Keep exploring