hush-hush
Meaning(s)
1. sth which should be kept quiet/secret
Popularity
Low
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
it's all very hush-hush
Analysis
'Hush' is a word describing the sound you make when you want to remind someone to be quiet, similar to 'shush'. If you want to 'keep something hush-hush', it means you wish for it to remain confidential or secret: "Please keep Janie's surprise party hush-hush. I don't want her to find out." This is an informal expression that can be used in social and professional contexts. Similar expressions include 'keep it quiet', 'don't let the cat out of the bag', and 'keep it on the QT'.
Social Examples (Basic)
- I don't really know what's she's going to say to him. She has been very hush-hush about the whole thing.
- I've been trying to keep it hush-hush but I bought a house and I'm moving to a new town in July.
Professional Examples (Advance)
- This document is very sensitive. You have to keep this information very hush-hush until it is officially announced.
- We are planning a party for Mr. Patik's retirement next week. We want to surprise him, so please keep it hush-hush.