Zip your lip
Meaning
This is an informal command to stop talking or to keep a secret, urging someone to be quiet.
Origin
The phrase 'zip your lip' emerged in the early 20th century, directly inspired by the widespread adoption of the zipper. Originally patented in the late 19th century, it was around the 1910s and 20s that the 'slide fastener' became a common feature on clothing and bags, its satisfying zip sound a familiar part of everyday life. This tangible action of fastening a zipper to close something tightly quickly morphed into a vivid, playful metaphor for closing one's mouth and staying quiet, creating a memorable and instantly understandable command to cease talking.
Examples
- I'll tell you what happened, but you have to zip your lip and promise not to tell anyone else.
- The librarian gently reminded the noisy children to zip their lips when they entered the quiet reading room.