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

See Examples For:

conspiracy of silence

Drapatyi handed in his resignation the very same day, saying he took personal responsibility for the "conspiracy of silence and impunity" that had led to the deaths.

From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026

That the mother is effectively silenced could be a way for her daughter to exact poetic revenge, by silencing the person who wove a conspiracy of silence around her husband’s crimes.

From New York Times ● Feb. 14, 2024

You might even call it a conspiracy of silence.

From Washington Post ● Jan. 13, 2023

They had never talked about it, because for 75 years there was a conspiracy of silence.

From Slate ● May 21, 2022

There is such a conspiracy of silence about the Great Ghost, except in churches and chapels, that the mention of his name in polite circles sounds like swearing.

From Flowers of Freethought (Second Series) by Foote, G. W. (George William)