keep quiet about

keep quiet about — idiom

Idioms

keep quiet about

idiom

to choose not to tell anyone about something you know, especially when it could cause embarrassment, trouble, or disappointment

Samir kept quiet about the missing tools, hoping no one would ask any questions.

Nora and her cousin kept quiet about the surprise visit to cheer up their grandmother.

Etymology

English

This phrase combines 'keep' (meaning 'to stay in a particular state'), 'quiet' (meaning 'silent'), and 'about' (meaning 'concerning'). It has been a common expression in everyday English since at least the 1800s, used whenever someone decides not to share information.