informal2K

UK//mʌmz ðə wɜːd//US//mʌmz ðə wɜrd//

Meaning of Mum's the word

A phrase used to indicate that something should remain a secret.

In simple words: Don't tell anyone about it.

Mum's the word in a sentence

  • When it comes to surprises, remember that mum's the word!
  • She looked at me and said, 'Mum's the word, okay?'
  • Let's keep this between us; mum's the word.
  • He told me about the party, but mum's the word until then.
  • She wanted to discuss it, but I said, 'Mum's the word,' so she agreed.

How to use Mum's the word

Use when asking someone to keep a secret. It's informal and typically used in casual conversation.

Grammar pattern

standalone expression

Memory hint

Imagine a mother with her finger on her lips, asking for silence about a secret.

Related words

Collocations with Mum's the word

  • mum's the word on something
  • keep mum
  • mum's the word about this
  • let's keep it mum
  • say mum

Synonyms for Mum's the word

  • keep it under wraps
  • mum is the word
  • let it out
  • not a peep
  • silence is golden

Common mistakes with Mum's the word

  • Confused with 'mum' meaning mother.
  • Using it in formal contexts where a serious tone is needed.
  • Incorrectly spelling as 'Mums' instead of 'Mum's'.

Mum's the word appears in

Mum's the word in other languages

More idioms like Mum's the word

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Frequently asked questions about Mum's the word

What does Mum's the word mean?

Don't tell anyone about it.

What is the definition of Mum's the word?

A phrase used to indicate that something should remain a secret.

How do you use Mum's the word in a sentence?

When it comes to surprises, remember that mum's the word!

Can you give another example of Mum's the word?

She looked at me and said, 'Mum's the word, okay?'

What are synonyms for Mum's the word?

Common alternatives include keep it under wraps, mum is the word, let it out, not a peep, silence is golden.

What words go with Mum's the word?

It commonly pairs with mum's the word on something, keep mum, mum's the word about this, let's keep it mum, say mum.

What are common mistakes when using Mum's the word?

Confused with 'mum' meaning mother. Using it in formal contexts where a serious tone is needed. Incorrectly spelling as 'Mums' instead of 'Mum's'.

How do you pronounce Mum's the word?

US: //mʌmz ðə wɜrd//, UK: //mʌmz ðə wɜːd//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Mum's the word formal or informal?

"Mum's the word" is informal, so it fits casual conversation with friends and family.

When should I use Mum's the word?

Use when asking someone to keep a secret. It's informal and typically used in casual conversation.