Mum's the word definitions
| Word backwards | s'mum eht drow |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | The phrase "mum's the word" is an idiom or colloquialism. |
| Syllabic division | mum's the word = mum's the word |
| Plural | The plural of the phrase "mum's the word" is "mums the word." |
| Total letters | 11 |
| Vogais (3) | u,e,o |
| Consonants (7) | m,s,t,h,w,r,d |
Mum's the word is a popular idiom that means to keep quiet or keep a secret. The phrase is often used when someone wants to emphasize the importance of keeping information confidential or private.
Origin of the Phrase
The origin of the expression "mum's the word" is believed to date back to the 16th century in England. The word "mum" in this context refers to keeping silent, as in being mum or mumbling. It has since evolved into a common saying in the English language.
Usage in Modern Times
In modern times, "mum's the word" is used in various situations where discretion or secrecy is required. It could be in a professional setting, personal relationships, or when discussing sensitive information. The phrase is a reminder to keep information confidential and not share it with others.
Alternative Expressions
There are several alternative expressions that convey a similar meaning to "mum's the word," such as "keep it under your hat," "keep a lid on it," or "zip your lip." These phrases all emphasize the importance of keeping quiet and not revealing information.
Overall, "mum's the word" serves as a valuable reminder to think before you speak and consider the consequences of sharing information. It's a gentle nudge to practice discretion and keep certain things to yourself, rather than risking their exposure to others.
Mum's the word Examples
- When asked about the surprise party, she simply smiled and said, "Mum's the word."
- The detective reminded his team, "Remember, mum's the word until we have all the evidence."
- At the poker table, he winked at his friend and whispered, "Mum's the word on my winning hand."
- After overhearing a secret conversation, she promised, "Mum's the word, I won't tell anyone."
- When the surprise guest arrived, the host gestured to everyone, "Mum's the word until they come in."
- The children agreed, "Mum's the word about the surprise gift for Mom."
- During the meeting, the CEO announced, "Mum's the word on the upcoming merger."
- To avoid spoilers, the group decided, "Mum's the word until everyone has seen the movie."
- As they snuck into the restricted area, they signaled to each other, "Mum's the word, we don't want to get caught."
- After discovering the hidden treasure, they all agreed, "Mum's the word or else others will try to find it too."