Dead silence Meaning in English
expression
释义
Complete and total silence, with no sound at all. Often used to describe awkward or tense moments when nobody speaks.
用法与细微差别
Strongly emphasizes an absence of sound. Common in both formal and informal speech, especially after awkward comments, shocking news, or during tense moments. Synonymous with 'complete silence,' but 'dead silence' feels more dramatic.
例句
There was dead silence in the room after the teacher shouted.
basic
Suddenly, a dead silence filled the theater.
basic
After I dropped the glass, there was dead silence.
basic
When I told my joke, there was dead silence—no one even cracked a smile.
natural
The announcement was followed by dead silence—everyone was too shocked to speak.
natural
There was this dead silence before someone finally dared to answer.
natural