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

"This time you've backed the winning horse, I'm bound to be a Duke, of course; But wait and see—the slightest hitch Might altogether queer my pitch; So mum's the word," says Little Tich.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, June 10, 1914 by Seaman, Owen, Sir

"And mum's the word about the wager, or Captain Putnam will spoil the whole affair if he gets wind of it."

From The Rover Boys in the Jungle Or, Stirring Adventures in Africa by Stratemeyer, Edward

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

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