silence

break silence

to give information about a topic that no one was mentioning or discussing. The press finally broke silence on the question of the plagiarized editorial.

See also: break

break the silence

to make a noise interrupting a period of silence. The wind broke the silence by blowing the door closed.

See also: break

reduce someone to silence

to cause someone to be silent. The rebuke reduced him to silence—at last. Mary was reduced to silence by Jane's comments.

See also: reduce

Silence gives consent.

Prov. If you do not object to what someone says or does, you can be assumed to agree with or condone it. Jill: What did Fred say when you told him we were thinking about leaving the office early? Jane: He didn't say anything. Jill: Then he must not mind if we go. Silence gives consent.

See also: consent, give

Silence is golden.

Prov. Silence is often good or desirable. Jerry has two teenage children who listen to music using their headphones all day. He knows that silence is golden. Hush! Silence is golden.

See also: golden