mum's the word

Idioms  

1. 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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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

mum's the word

While mum’s the word for now, Mosher hopes to soon announce good news on the horizon for fans of the restaurant.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 25, 2023

The short answer: For now, mum’s the word.

From Washington Times ● Feb. 5, 2019

"But," said Kitty, changing colour as she spoke, "do you really mean——" "I mean that mum's the word at present," was Mrs. Aylmer's mysterious remark.

From The Time of Roses by L. T. Meade

Your best leg forward, lad," said I to him, "and mum's the word.

From The House Under the Sea A Romance by Sir Max Pemberton

Then, going close to him, she whispered: "Remember, mum's the word!"

From In Old Kentucky by Edward Marshall