Button your lip Meaning in English
expression
ˈbətən/ /ˈjɔɹ/, /ˈjʊɹ/ /ˈɫɪp
BUH-tən yer LIP
bˈʌtən/ /jˈɔː/ /lˈɪp
BUT-ən yaw LIP
Definition
To keep quiet or stop talking, especially about something secret or sensitive.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and sometimes humorous. Used to tell someone not to reveal something, or sometimes simply to stop talking. Softer than 'shut up', but still direct. Often used with 'about' + topic ('button your lip about the surprise').
Spanish: cierra la boca - cállatePortuguese (BR): fica de boca fechada - não contaPortuguese (PT): fecha a boca - não digas nadaChinese (Simplified): 闭嘴 - 保守秘密Chinese (Traditional): 閉嘴 - 保守秘密Hindi: चुप रहोArabic: اخرس - لا تتكلمBengali: চুপ থাকো - মুখ বুজে থাকোRussian: держи рот на замке - молчиJapanese: 口をつぐむ - 秘密にしておくVietnamese: im lặng - giữ bí mậtKorean: 입을 다물다 - 비밀로 하다Turkish: çeneni kapat - susUrdu: منہ بند رکھو - خاموش رہوIndonesian: tutup mulutmu - simpan rahasia
Example Sentences
You must button your lip and not tell anyone the secret.
basic
The teacher told the students to button their lips during the test.
basic
If you hear something private, just button your lip.
basic
Come on, can you just button your lip about it? It’s supposed to be a surprise!
natural
My brother is terrible at keeping secrets—he can never button his lip!
natural
If the boss asks, just button your lip—don’t get involved.
natural