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.”

---

Example Sentences

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

Davis calls spots mums, "because when people ask what I was using, I'd always say, �Mums � mum's the word.'"

From Time Magazine Archive

And, oh, Susy, mum's the word with regard to me being well off.

From The Rebel of the School by Meade, L. T.

"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 Meade, L. T.