keep quiet
Idioms-
Also, keep still.
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Also, . Remain silent; same as hold one's tongue . For example, Please keep quiet about the party . Also see keep one's mouth shut .
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Refrain from moving, stay in the same position; same as hold still . For example, The doctor gave the young boy a toy to keep him quiet while on the examining table , or It's hard for the baby to keep still unless he's sleeping . [Late 1300s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
If only they’d heeded their instinct to keep quiet.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026
Some who continue to show up keep quiet about the detentions or deportations of family members because they feel ashamed, Cardona said.
From Salon • Mar. 2, 2026
He’s become close to a father and his usually nonverbal son who can’t keep quiet at shows, asking questions and singing along.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026
After you apologize and express a desire to heal, keep quiet.
From MarketWatch • Dec. 2, 2025
I’m not joining if she’s not joining, and since she isn’t saying anything, I just keep quiet.
From "Betty Before X" by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renée Watson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
