mum's the word

mum's the word
Mum Mum, a. [Of imitative origin. Cf. {Mumble}.] Silent; not speaking; as, to keep mum. --Thackeray. [1913 Webster]

The citizens are mum, and speak not a word. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

{mum's the word} keep this a secret; don't tell anybody. [PJC]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • Mum's the word — is a popular English idiom. It is related to an expression used by William Shakespeare, in Henry VI, Part 2.[1] Meaning Mum s the word means to keep quiet, to say nothing. Mum is a Middle English word meaning silent . [2] The word may be derived… …   Wikipedia

  • Mum's the Word — est un film américain de Leo McCarey sorti en 1926. Sommaire 1 Synopsis 2 Fiche technique 3 Distribution 4 Voir aussi …   Wikipédia en Français

  • mum's the word — ► mum s the word do not reveal a secret. Main Entry: ↑mum …   English terms dictionary

  • mum's the word — When people use this idiom, they mean that you should keep quiet about something and not tell other people …   The small dictionary of idiomes

  • mum's the word! — ˌmum s the ˈword! idiom (informal) used to tell sb to say nothing about sth and keep it secret Main entry: ↑mumidiom …   Useful english dictionary

  • mum's the word — SAY NOTHING, keep quiet, don t breathe a word, don t tell a soul, keep it secret, keep it to yourself, keep it under your hat; informal don t let on, keep shtum, don t let the cat out of the bag. → mum * * * mum s the word Complete silence or… …   Useful english dictionary

  • mum is the word — You must keep the secret; keep silent; don t tell anyone. Often used as an interjection. * /We are planning a surprise party for John and mum is the word./ * / Mum is the word! the robber captain told his men./ …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • mum is the word — You must keep the secret; keep silent; don t tell anyone. Often used as an interjection. * /We are planning a surprise party for John and mum is the word./ * / Mum is the word! the robber captain told his men./ …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • mum\ is\ the\ word — You must keep the secret; keep silent; don t tell anyone. Often used as an interjection. We are planning a surprise party for John and mum is the word. Mum is the word! the robber captain told his men …   Словарь американских идиом

  • mum's the word —    When people use this idiom, they mean that you should keep quiet about something and not tell other people.   (Dorking School Dictionary)    ***    To say mum s the word means that the subject or plan is a secret and must not be revealed.    … …   English Idioms & idiomatic expressions

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