tight-lipped
Americanadjective
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speaking very little; taciturn; close-mouthed.
-
having the lips drawn tight.
adjective
-
reticent, secretive, or taciturn
-
with the lips pressed tightly together, as through anger
Etymology
Origin of tight-lipped
First recorded in 1875–80
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.
The family is tight-lipped, the bakers even more so.
From Salon
Why exactly work stopped remains something of a mystery, with the site owner and local authority remaining tight-lipped, and people sharing theories with Jay online.
From BBC
At a press conference after the rate decision Thursday, Lagarde is expected, as usual, to stay tight-lipped on the future direction of rates.
From Barron's
Since her election in March last year, the 42-year-old Zimbabwean former swimmer has launched a wide-reaching consultation on the future of the Olympic movement, while remaining tight-lipped about her own opinion on political issues.
From Barron's
A move to the same role at the United States Tennis Association appears imminent, although he has remained tight-lipped - for once - when it comes to his future.
From BBC
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.
