# hold one's peace

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/hold-ones-peace
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To refrain from speaking; to be silent.

## Examples

- If you disagree with the plan, speak now or hold your peace.
- During the heated meeting, he decided to hold his peace rather than start an argument with his boss.
- Although she possessed evidence that would have altered the trial's outcome, she chose to hold her peace to protect her family's reputation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.