conspiracy of silence

American  

noun

1. a usually secret or unstated agreement to remain silent among those who know something whose disclosure might be damaging, harmful, or against their own best interest or that of their associates.

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conspiracy of silence Idioms  

1. A tacit or explicit agreement to keep something secret. For example, In this state's medical society there is a conspiracy of silence regarding incompetent practitioners. This term was first used as a complaint about lack of attention, but today it more often refers to remaining silent about something unfavorable or criminal. [Late 1800s]

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Etymology

Origin of conspiracy of silence

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

An influential think tank, the Institute for Fiscal Studies, points to what it calls a "conspiracy of silence" about the tough decisions required after the election.

From BBC • Mar. 8, 2024

Victims’ descendants believed that, once the conspiracy of silence around it was pierced decades later, justice and reparations for Tulsa’s Black community would follow.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 3, 2023

There was no conspiracy of silence about Aaron, no plot to keep him underappreciated — which he still is to this day.

From Washington Post • Jan. 22, 2021

These works of journalism explore how the protective conspiracy of silence was cracked just enough to let some sunlight in.

From Slate • Feb. 20, 2020

But we, too, are compelled to join this conspiracy of silence and suppression, and to lie in the interests of the delicate believers whose faith cannot stand the least strain.

From How the Bible was Invented A Lecture Delivered Before the Independent Religious Society by Mangasarian, M. M. (Mangasar Mugurditch)