keep quiet
(redirected from keep him quiet)keep quiet
1. To be quiet; to not make any noise. Often used as an imperative. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is sometimes used between "keep" and "quiet." Please keep quiet during the movie, kids. People are trying to listen. The only way I can keep my dog quiet when the mailman comes around is to give him a treat.
2. To force someone to stay silent or not divulge information. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is often used between "keep" and "quiet." They offered me a ton of money to keep me quiet, but I'm still going to testify.
keep quiet (about something)
To refuse to divulge any information (about something) to someone else. They offered me a ton of money to keep quiet, but I'm still going to testify at the trial. We all agreed to keep quiet about what we found that day.
keep something quiet
and keep something stillFig. to keep something a secret. I'm quitting my job, but my boss doesn't know yet. Please keep it quiet. Okay. I'll keep it still
keep quiet (about someone or something)
and keep still (about someone or something)to refrain from talking about someone or something; to keep a secret about someone or something. Please keep quiet about the missing money. Please keep still about it. All right. I'll keep still.
keep quiet
Also, keep still.
1. Also, be quiet or still . Remain silent; same as hold one's tongue. For example, Please keep quiet about the party. Also see keep one's mouth shut.
2. Refrain from moving, stay in the same position; same as hold still. For example, The doctor gave the young boy a toy to keep him quiet while on the examining table, or It's hard for the baby to keep still unless he's sleeping. [Late 1300s]