33 Idioms for Silence

Silence is often considered a powerful form of communication. Whether it’s the calm after a storm, a moment of reflection, or a subtle response to a tense situation, silence can speak volumes. These 33 idioms for silence help us describe various aspects of stillness, quietness, and the power of unspoken words. Whether you’re expressing peace, discomfort, or tension, silence often carries deep meaning.

In this article, you’ll discover 33 idioms for silence, each representing a different way to describe quiet moments, unspoken emotions, or situations where words are not needed—or perhaps should not be spoken.

1. Silence is Golden

Meaning: The idea that silence is often more valuable than speaking, especially when speech may not add anything useful.
In a Sentence:

Sometimes, it’s better to remain silent—after all, silence is golden.
The meeting was so tense, and in that moment, silence truly was golden.
Other Ways to Say: Silence is preferable, quiet is best, better left unsaid

2. A Silent Treatment

Meaning: To deliberately ignore someone or withhold communication, often used as a method of expressing disapproval or anger.
In a Sentence:

After their disagreement, he gave her the silent treatment for days.
She didn’t want to talk about it, so she gave him the silent treatment.
Other Ways to Say: Ignoring someone, cold shoulder, withdrawal

3. Dead Silence

Meaning: Complete, profound silence, often used to describe a quietness that is eerie or uncomfortable.
In a Sentence:

After the announcement, there was dead silence in the room, and everyone stood frozen.
The aftermath of the argument was marked by dead silence, no one daring to speak.
Other Ways to Say: Complete stillness, eerie quiet, absolute silence

4. Silence Speaks Volumes

Meaning: The idea that silence can convey meaning, often in the absence of words, revealing emotions or intentions.
In a Sentence:

He didn’t say anything, but his silence spoke volumes about his true feelings.
Her silence after the question was asked spoke volumes about her guilt.
Other Ways to Say: Unspoken communication, silence tells a story, non-verbal communication

5. Keep Quiet

Meaning: To remain silent or not speak, often used as a suggestion or directive.
In a Sentence:

The teacher asked the class to keep quiet during the exam.
She told him to keep quiet and not discuss the matter any further.
Other Ways to Say: Stay silent, hold your tongue, say nothing

6. Mum’s the Word

Meaning: A phrase used to indicate that something should be kept secret or not spoken about.
In a Sentence:

When asked about the surprise party, he replied, “Mum’s the word.”
She promised to keep mum’s the word about the upcoming announcement.
Other Ways to Say: Keep it a secret, don’t say a word, silent agreement

7. Silence is Deafening

Meaning: A situation where the absence of sound or communication is so noticeable it feels overwhelming, often used to describe uncomfortable silence.
In a Sentence:

After the argument, the silence in the room was deafening, no one knowing how to react.
As he waited for the news, the silence was deafening, filling him with anxiety.
Other Ways to Say: Overwhelming quiet, tense silence, uncomfortable stillness

8. Hold Your Tongue

Meaning: To stop yourself from speaking, often used to describe a situation where someone refrains from commenting or responding.
In a Sentence:

He wanted to respond to the criticism, but he held his tongue to avoid further conflict.
It’s sometimes better to hold your tongue than say something you might regret.
Other Ways to Say: Remain silent, bite your tongue, stay quiet

9. Bite Your Tongue

Meaning: To resist the urge to speak, particularly when it would be better not to say anything.
In a Sentence:

She wanted to tell him how she really felt, but she bit her tongue, knowing it would only cause trouble.
He bit his tongue and said nothing, even though he disagreed with the decision.
Other Ways to Say: Restrain yourself, keep quiet, stop yourself from speaking

10. A Quiet Moment

Meaning: A peaceful or reflective time when there is no noise or interruption, often used to describe a period of calm.
In a Sentence:

After the chaotic day, we enjoyed a quiet moment by the lake, listening only to the birds.
The evening was filled with a quiet moment, with no need for words, just the beauty of the sunset.
Other Ways to Say: Peaceful silence, moment of tranquility, calm pause

11. A Moment of Silence

Meaning: A period of quiet reflection or respect, often used to honor someone or something.
In a Sentence:

The ceremony began with a moment of silence to honor the fallen soldiers.
Let’s observe a moment of silence in remembrance of those who have passed.
Other Ways to Say: Period of reflection, respectful pause, silent tribute

LEARN ANOTHER 26 Idioms About Bad Things Happening

12. Mute as a Fish

Meaning: Completely silent, especially in a situation where one is expected to speak.
In a Sentence:

He sat there, mute as a fish, refusing to say anything during the meeting.
She was mute as a fish, unwilling to share her opinion on the matter.
Other Ways to Say: Silent, speechless, not uttering a word

13. A Dead Quiet

Meaning: An absolute and intense silence, often used to describe a situation where no sound is heard at all.
In a Sentence:

After the shocking news, the room fell into a dead quiet, with no one knowing what to say.
As the final seconds of the game ticked away, there was a dead quiet in the stadium.
Other Ways to Say: Absolute silence, complete stillness, eerie quiet

14. The Calm Before the Storm

Meaning: A peaceful or quiet period before a situation turns chaotic or tense.
In a Sentence:

The office was quiet that morning; it was the calm before the storm as the deadline neared.
There was a calm before the storm as they waited for the boss to arrive for the meeting.
Other Ways to Say: Temporary peace, quiet before chaos, brief tranquility

15. Keep It to Yourself

Meaning: To not share information or thoughts with others, often used when someone is asked to keep a secret.
In a Sentence:

He told me to keep it to myself, not wanting anyone to know about the surprise.
If you’re not sure about sharing that news, just keep it to yourself for now.
Other Ways to Say: Keep a secret, not disclose, stay quiet about it

16. In Silence

Meaning: To remain quiet or without speaking, often used to describe doing something quietly or without speaking out.
In a Sentence:

She sat in silence during the meeting, not agreeing or disagreeing with any points made.
The two friends walked in silence, each lost in their thoughts.
Other Ways to Say: Without speaking, quietly, in stillness

17. Speak Volumes

Meaning: To convey a lot of information or emotion without using words, often through actions or body language.
In a Sentence:

Her refusal to look at him spoke volumes about her feelings of betrayal.
The gesture of kindness spoke volumes, showing just how much he cared.
Other Ways to Say: Convey without words, express a lot, communicate without speaking

18. A Silent Witness

Meaning: A person who observes something happening without participating or speaking about it.
In a Sentence:

He was a silent witness to the argument, not wanting to get involved.
The silent witness stood at the back of the courtroom, watching the proceedings unfold.
Other Ways to Say: Observer, non-participant, bystander

19. Silence is the Best Policy

Meaning: Sometimes it’s better to stay silent rather than speak, especially when speaking might cause more harm or conflict.
In a Sentence:

When things got heated during the discussion, he realized silence was the best policy.
She knew that silence is the best policy when her opinion might make the situation worse.
Other Ways to Say: Stay silent, don’t speak, let it be

20. A Pin Could Drop

Meaning: An expression used to describe an extremely quiet or tense moment, where you could hear even the smallest sound.
In a Sentence:

The tension in the room was so thick that a pin could drop, and everyone would hear it.
There was a moment of dead silence before the final decision was announced—it was so quiet, a pin could drop.
Other Ways to Say: Dead quiet, extremely silent, intense stillness

21. Keep Your Lips Sealed

Meaning: To remain silent and not share a piece of information, often used when someone is asked to keep a secret.
In a Sentence:

She promised to keep her lips sealed about the surprise party until the big day.
He kept his lips sealed, not revealing any details about the confidential meeting.
Other Ways to Say: Keep quiet, stay silent, not tell a soul

22. Mute as a Fish

Meaning: Completely silent, used to describe someone who refuses to speak, even in situations where they are expected to.
In a Sentence:

During the interrogation, he was mute as a fish, refusing to answer any of the questions.
She sat there, mute as a fish, unsure of how to respond to the difficult situation.
Other Ways to Say: Silent, speechless, tight-lipped

23. The Silence is Deafening

Meaning: A situation in which silence is so loud and noticeable that it becomes uncomfortable, often used to describe an awkward or tense silence.
In a Sentence:

After the bad news, the silence in the room was deafening, no one knowing what to say.
The silence was deafening when the controversial topic was brought up during the discussion.
Other Ways to Say: Intense silence, heavy quiet, uncomfortable stillness

LEARN ANOTHER 27 Idioms for Mother

24. A Quiet Storm

Meaning: A situation or person that appears calm on the outside but is filled with intensity, emotion, or power underneath.
In a Sentence:

He was a quiet storm, holding his emotions in check but capable of fierce determination when necessary.
The quiet storm of her presence was undeniable—she rarely spoke, but when she did, everyone listened.
Other Ways to Say: Calm exterior, hidden intensity, inner power

25. Silence Falls

Meaning: A sudden and complete quiet that descends, often used to describe a dramatic change in atmosphere or mood.
In a Sentence:

As the news was delivered, silence fell over the room, everyone stunned by the revelation.
Silence fell during the memorial service, as everyone paid their respects.
Other Ways to Say: Quiet descends, stillness takes over, peace settles in

26. Silence Cuts Like a Knife

Meaning: A deep and uncomfortable silence that is felt as intense or emotionally painful, often used when there’s tension or discomfort in the air.
In a Sentence:

The silence between them cut like a knife after their heated argument.
As she waited for the verdict, the silence in the room cut like a knife.
Other Ways to Say: Tense silence, unbearable stillness, awkward quiet

27. Hush Up

Meaning: To stop talking, often used in a direct or somewhat forceful manner.
In a Sentence:

He told the kids to hush up, as the meeting was about to begin.
“Hush up!” she said, sensing that the conversation was about to get out of hand.
Other Ways to Say: Be quiet, stop talking, silence

28. Keep Your Mouth Shut

Meaning: To remain silent or avoid saying something, often used to advise someone not to share information.
In a Sentence:

He kept his mouth shut about the surprise party, not letting anything slip.
I’d suggest you keep your mouth shut about the promotion; it’s not public yet.
Other Ways to Say: Stay silent, say nothing, keep quiet

29. A Soundless Room

Meaning: A room or space where there is no noise, often used to emphasize how quiet or still the environment is.
In a Sentence:

When he entered the conference room, it felt like a soundless room, with everyone waiting for him to speak.
The library was a soundless room, where even the slightest noise felt like a disturbance.
Other Ways to Say: Quiet room, silent space, hushed environment

30. Hold Your Peace

Meaning: To refrain from speaking, especially when one has the option to comment or express an opinion.
In a Sentence:

She decided to hold her peace during the argument, knowing it wouldn’t help to get involved.
It’s best to hold your peace on this issue; the situation is too sensitive.
Other Ways to Say: Stay quiet, keep silent, remain silent

31. Dead Air

Meaning: A period of uncomfortable silence during a broadcast, conversation, or discussion, typically when someone fails to speak.
In a Sentence:

There was dead air on the radio when the host accidentally lost their microphone connection.
The awkward pause felt like dead air, with no one sure what to say next.
Other Ways to Say: Awkward silence, uncomfortable quiet, pause in conversation

32. Quiet as a Mouse

Meaning: Extremely quiet, almost unnoticed, often used to describe someone who is not speaking or drawing attention to themselves.
In a Sentence:

She was as quiet as a mouse during the meeting, not voicing her opinions.
The children sat quietly, as quiet as mice, while their parents discussed the situation.
Other Ways to Say: Silent, unnoticed, discreet

33. Not a Peep

Meaning: Not a sound or noise; completely silent, often used when describing someone who does not make a sound or react.
In a Sentence:

He sat in the corner, not making a peep during the entire discussion.
The children were so well-behaved that there wasn’t a peep out of them the whole evening.
Other Ways to Say: No sound, not a word, absolutely silent

Practice Exercise

The team sat in ____________ as they waited for the manager’s decision.
After the difficult conversation, they decided to ____________ and give each other space.
She wanted to say something, but she had to ____________ to avoid making things worse.
We enjoyed ____________ by the lake, with no distractions or noise.
It was so quiet after the announcement that you could hear ____________ in the room.
As the decision loomed, there was ____________ in the room—no one dared to speak.
He knew the news would be hard to hear, but he didn’t want to ____________ about it.
The tense moment felt like ____________, where every word seemed too heavy to say.
They all remained silent during the intense meeting, ____________ in the corner.
“Please ____________,” she said, hoping to keep the surprise party a secret until the big day.
The tension in the room was so thick that ____________ would have been heard if anyone spoke.
She could tell he wasn’t interested in talking, so she decided to give him the ____________.
He was completely silent, as ____________ as a fish, not offering any response.
After the discussion, he chose to ____________ and not get involved in the debate.
The conference started with ____________, everyone paying their respects in peace.
After the incident, everything felt like ____________, as if no one knew what to say.
The shock was so great that it left them in ____________ for several moments.
“You can’t change what’s happened, so ____________,” she said to reassure him.
He walked out of the room, knowing there was no reason to say anything—it was ____________.
She was tired of hearing the same excuses, so she decided to ____________ and not react.
After the breakup, he felt like ____________, unable to voice his sadness.
The meeting was full of ____________ as no one seemed willing to speak up.
In the middle of the event, there was ____________ as the news broke.
When they asked if he had seen the results, he didn’t make ____________, even though everyone knew he had.
There was ____________ in the room when she shared the shocking news about her future.
The quietness of the room before the announcement felt like ____________ before something big happened.
She promised to ____________ about the surprise party until it was revealed.
The situation was like ____________, with no sign of life or reaction from him.
____________ was the best thing to do when trying to resolve the issue without conflict.

LEARN ANOTHER 30 Idioms for Tired

Answer Key

i) A Dead Quiet
t) A Silent Treatment
c) Bite Your Tongue
b) A Quiet Moment
h) A Pin Could Drop
o) Silence is Deafening
f) A Moment of Silence
g) The Calm Before the Storm
e) Mute as a Fish
s) Keep Your Lips Sealed
l) Speak Volumes
m) Hold Your Peace
e) Mute as a Fish
p) The Writing on the Wall
f) A Moment of Silence
n) A Soundless Room
w) Silence Falls
j) Hush Up
x) Not a Peep
c) Bite Your Tongue
v) Cry Your Eyes Out
w) Silence Falls
o) Silence is Deafening
x) Not a Peep
z) A Heart of Stone
g) The Calm Before the Storm
s) Keep Your Lips Sealed
e) Mute as a Fish
f) A Moment of Silence

Conclusion

Silence can be just as powerful as words, often conveying meaning, emotions, and intentions that words sometimes fail to capture. The 33 idioms for silence offer a rich variety of expressions that describe everything from the calmness of “a quiet moment” to the discomfort of “silence is deafening”. These idioms help us articulate the complex feelings and situations that come with stillness, whether it’s the peace that accompanies reflection, the tension in an uncomfortable quiet, or the introspective silence that follows a life-changing event. Similarly, just as silence conveys a range of emotions, fear can also be expressed through a host of idiomatic phrases. The 27 common idioms for feeling scared vividly capture the nuances of anxiety and trepidation, from the subtle unease of feeling “butterflies in one’s stomach” to the sheer terror of being “scared stiff.” Understanding these idioms enriches our ability to communicate the various shades of fear, adding depth to our discussions around feelings and experiences.

By using these idioms in conversations, writing, or storytelling, you can deepen the emotional resonance of your words, making your language more dynamic and engaging. Silence, though often unspoken, plays a significant role in shaping how we communicate and understand one another.

These idioms offer a powerful way to describe moments of quiet, helping to paint a more vivid picture of life’s unspoken conversations. In contrast, idioms that describe foolishness can highlight the absurdity of certain actions and decisions, adding a layer of humor to our everyday interactions. By juxtaposing these two types of expressions, we gain a fuller understanding of human behavior, both wise and foolish. This richness in language not only enhances our communication but also deepens our connections with others.