not breathe a word (of something)
not breathe a word (of something)
To keep something a complete secret; to not share some secret or private information with anyone else. Often used in the negative to encourage silence. Please don't hurt me! I swear I won't breathe a word of this to anyone! Remember, we want this to be a surprise, so don't breathe a word to Tom. He promised me that he wouldn't breathe a word of what he saw here today.
See also: breathe, not, word
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
not breathe a word (about someone or something)
and not breathe a word of it Fig. to keep a secret about someone or something. Don't worry. I won't breathe a word about this matter. Please don't breathe a word about Bob and his problems. Don't worry. I won't breathe a word of it.
See also: breathe, not, word
(I) won't breathe a word (of it).
and (I) won't tell a Soul.Fig. I will not tell anyone your secret. Bill: Don't tell anybody, but Sally is getting married. Mary: I won't breathe a word of it. Alice: The Jacksons are going to have to sell their house. Don't spread it around. Mary: I won't tell a soul.
See also: breathe, word
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
not breathe a word
Not reveal a secret, keep concealed, as in You must promise not to breathe a word of what I'm about to tell you. This phrase relies on the verb breathe as meaning "to utter," a usage dating from the late 1500s.
See also: breathe, not, word
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- not breathe a word
- won't breathe a word
- mum's the word
- mum's the word!
- make a secret of
- make a secret of (something)
- the cat is out of the bag
- in secret
- pifky
- mifky