The team met a wall of silence when they asked about the missing money.
wall of silence
idiomStrict secretiveness maintained by the members of a group with respect to information which might be contrary to their interests, especially information concerning questionable actions by members of the group.
Despite the police investigation into the accident, the witnesses maintained a wall of silence to protect their friend.
The internal inquiry into the company's financial misconduct quickly stalled as executives erected a wall of silence to prevent any incriminating information from reaching the public.
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back to the wall
A very difficult situation with no beneficial options available for action.
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balls to the wall
With maximum effort or commitment.
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bang one's head against a brick wall
To waste effort on a futile project.
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blue wall of silence
Strict secretiveness maintained by the members of a police force with respect to information which might be contrary to their interests, especially information concerning questionable police actions.
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break the fourth wall
To apparently communicate with reality directly, such as when characters of literature comment on the existence of a reader.
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Chinese Wall
An information barrier within an organization, designed to ensure internal confidentiality; frequently used to prevent conflicts of interest.
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dead silence
A particularly notable/awkward silence or absence of response.
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deafening silence
A noteworthy silence, or absence of response, especially one signifying disapproval or lack of enthusiasm.