Idiom: keep mum

[Keti]

English Idioms and Expressions, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #14 "Word of Mouth", question 9

I can only repeat that I want you to wait until Tuesday before you tell her, remember mum's the word.

(a) don't tell mum
(b) don't speak aloud
(c) don't say anything
(d) don't answer anything

English Idioms and Expressions, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #14 "Word of Mouth", answer 9

I can only repeat that I want you to wait until Tuesday before you tell her, remember don't say anything.

Correct answer: (c) don't say anything
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Don't tell mum and Don't say anything aren't the same?
My name is Keti from Georgia (Caucasus)

[Alan]

Hi Keti,

Yes, they are the same. To keep mum is keep silent - probably related to the word dumb meaning not speaking.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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