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

So mum’s the word to Levi ’bout it.”

From The Girl From Tim's Place by Charles Clark Munn

"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 Sir Owen Seaman

To 'Enry, too, doc., if you'll be so good, mum's the word!

From Australia Felix by Henry Handel Richardson