Idiom
keep schtum
Meanings
To remain silent and not share information, especially about a secret or sensitive topic.
To stop talking or to be quiet when told to, often in a firm or warning tone.
Definition
To keep schtum means to stay silent and not reveal information.
If you keep schtum, you deliberately say nothing about something, often to avoid trouble or to protect a secret. It can be used as advice or a firm instruction to be quiet. The phrase is informal and is especially common in British English.
Examples
- If anyone asks about the surprise party, keep schtum.
- He promised to keep schtum about the deal until it was signed.
- The lawyer told her to keep schtum during the meeting.
- We all agreed to keep schtum so nobody would get blamed.
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