ENGLISH
REFERENCE

keep shtum

idiom
Meaning

Not tell anyone; especially, keep silent about something that may be sensitive or secret.


Examples
SIMPLE

Please keep shtum about the surprise party.

CONTEXTUAL

The boss told us to keep shtum about the new project until the official announcement next week.

COMPLEX

Despite the intense pressure from the investigators, the witness decided to keep shtum to protect his family from potential retaliation.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    cobbler, keep to your last

    One should not criticise matters outside one's field of expertise; one should mind one's business.

  2. 02

    earn one's keep

    To perform satisfactory physical labor or to provide other worthy services in return for remuneration, lodging, or other benefits; to support oneself financially.

  3. 03

    gift that keeps on giving

    Something with continuous (typically positive) consequences.

  4. 04

    keep a civil tongue in one's head

    To maintain a polite manner of speaking.

  5. 05

    keep a close watch

    to pay careful attention to a situation or a thing, so that you can deal with any changes or problems.

  6. 06

    keep a cool head

    To keep one's cool; to stay calm.

  7. 07

    keep a lid on

    To keep something secret.

  8. 08

    keep a low profile

    To be discreet and quiet.

Last updated April 17, 2026