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To deliberately refuse to speak or reveal information, often due to caution, fear, or strategic reasons.
在调查期间，嫌疑人缄口不言，拒绝回答任何问题。
During the investigation, the suspect kept mum and refused to answer any questions.
她缄口不言，生怕说错话惹麻烦。
She kept mum, fearing she might say the wrong thing and cause trouble.
Often implies a conscious decision to withhold speech, rather than natural silence.
Use '缄口不言' when someone actively chooses to stay silent to avoid consequences or protect information, rather than being naturally quiet.
Do not confuse this idiom with its literal meaning ('to seal one's mouth and not speak'). The figurative meaning is about deliberate silence, not physical restriction.
From the classical Chinese idiom, combining '缄' (to seal) and '口' (mouth) to imply sealing one's lips, with '不言' (not speak) emphasizing the refusal to speak. Dates back to ancient Chinese texts, symbolizing discretion or fear.
Commonly used in formal or serious contexts, such as legal investigations, personal conflicts, or strategic situations. Implies a deliberate choice rather than natural reticence.