Shut up like a clam In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "shut up like a clam", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Tonia Thai calendar 2023-03-16 04:03

Meaning of Shut up like a clam

Shut up like a clam American British informal verb phrase

Used when one suddenly becomes quiet because one is nervous, upset, or does not want to mention a particular topic.
 

As soon as we mentioned the war in Afghanistan, the entire class shut up like a clam.

He shuts up like a clam when his father asks him about the result of his exam.

When I talked about his trip to Japan, he shut up like a clam.

Other phrases about:

you could hear the grass grow(ing)

It is so quiet that you would be able to hear even the tiniest sounds.

by stealth

Do something silently, secretly.

keep quiet

1. To keep silent.

2. To prevent someone from divulging information.

Grammar and Usage of Shut up like a clam

Verb Forms

  • shut up like a clam
  • shuts up like a clam
  • to shut up like a clam
  • shutting up like a clam

The verb "shut" should be conjugated according to its tense.

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TODAY
to rob the cradle
have a romantic or sexual relationship with or marry someone much younger than oneself.
Example: The middle aged man robbed the cradle with the teenager.
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