гл.
1. be silent, keep/observe silence, remain/keep silent/mum, be/keep still; not say/utter a word, say nothing; hold o.’s peace/noise; защо мълчиш? why are you silent, why don’t you say something? ~ като риба be as dumb/close as an oyster, be as dumb as a fish; ~ си not say a word, keep o.’s own council, hold o.’s peace, разг. keep o.’s noise; ~ упорито refuse to open o.’s mouth; мълчи като пън he never has anything/a word to say; he hasn’t a word to throw at a dog; мълчи! мълчете! hush! silence! don’t talk! keep quiet/still/silent; (грубо) shut up!, sl. belt up! най-добре да си мълчим least said soonest mended; не мога повече да ~ (по този въпрос) I have to speak out; няма да му ~ I won’t hold my tongue;
2. (пазя тайна) keep a secret, hold o.’s tongue; button up o.’s mouth; разг. keep (s.th.) under one’s hat; keep the lid on, keep a stiff upper lip.