Apedia

Word Mum's Surprise Mr Glick Remember Silent Secret

Idiom Mum's the Word
Example Don't tell anyone about the surprise for Mr. Glick. Remember, mum's the word.
Meaning you must keep silent; don't tell anyone the secret
Origin Since at least 1350 "mum" has meant silent. The word itself sounds like a person trying to talk with her lips shut tight. "Mum's the word" has been a popular expression since about 1700.

Learn with these flashcards. Click next, previous, or up to navigate to more flashcards for this subject.

Next card: Mud parliament joseph started fight game disqualified person

Previous card: Cat skin ways scott solution puzzle knew reaching

Up to card list: Scholastic Dictionary of Idioms