mum's the word
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mum's the word
A request or pledge to keep something a secret. Now, I don't want anyone to know that I'm pregnant yet, so mum's the word. Your secret is safe with me. Mum's the word.
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Mum's the word.
Fig. a pledge not to reveal a secret or to tell about something or someone. "Mum's the word," said Jane to ease Mary's mind about her secret.
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mum's the word
Say nothing about this, it's a secret, as in Mum's the word on tonight's surprise party. This expression dates from about 1700, but mum, meaning "silence," is much older. In 2 Henry VI (1:2) Shakespeare wrote, "Seal up your lips, and give no words but mum."
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mum's the word
say nothing; don't reveal a secret. informalIn both of these idioms, mum stands for an inarticulate sound made with pursed lips indicating either unwillingness or inability to speak.
1991 Atlantic City Mum's the word on who will play the major figures in this tale of woe.
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ˌmum’s the ˈword!
(informal) used for telling somebody to keep a secret or for telling somebody that you will keep a secret: ‘Nobody must mention this project outside the office. I hope that’s clear.’ ‘We understand, John. Mum’s the word!’These two idioms refer to the sound you make when your mouth is closed.
mum's the word
Say nothing of the secret you know: Mum's the word on the surprise party.
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