Tight-lipped
Meaning
Reluctant to speak or reveal information, often intentionally.
Origin
The phrase 'tight-lipped' paints a vivid picture of someone pressing their lips together, often in a firm line, to prevent words from escaping. This direct visual metaphor likely emerged from the common human gesture of self-imposed silence or refusal to speak, particularly under pressure or when guarding a secret. While the exact moment of its coinage is elusive, the descriptive power of 'tight-lipped' gained widespread currency in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially in contexts describing individuals who steadfastly refused to divulge information, much like a sealed vault.
Examples
- Despite intense questioning, the suspect remained tight-lipped about his whereabouts on the night of the incident.
- Sarah was always tight-lipped when it came to discussing her personal finances, preferring to keep her affairs private.