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To remain completely silent, especially to avoid revealing information or causing trouble.
Non dire una parola su quello che è successo stanotte.
Don't say a word about what happened last night.
Ha minacciato di licenziarmi se avessi detto una parola in più.
He threatened to fire me if I said another word.
Often used to emphasize secrecy or to prevent someone from speaking up in a sensitive situation.
Use 'non dire una parola' when you want to emphasize the importance of silence in a situation where speaking could cause harm, embarrassment, or trouble. It’s stronger than simply saying 'stai zitto' (be quiet).
This phrase is often used to create a sense of urgency or secrecy. It’s common in films, thrillers, or intense conversations where confidentiality is critical.
The phrase combines the negation 'non' (not), the verb 'dire' (to say), 'una' (a), and 'parola' (word). It has been used in Italian since at least the early 20th century, primarily in contexts requiring absolute secrecy or discretion.
This idiom is often used in commands or urgent situations where silence is crucial. It can sound dramatic or emphatic in casual conversation.