English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Conspiracy of silence
Meaning
The idiom "conspiracy of silence" refers to the act of keeping something secret or not speaking about it, often due to fear of retribution or disapproval from others. It can also imply that there is a group or organization working together to keep information hidden.
Usage
- The conspiracy of silence surrounding the government's secret military operations has led many people to question their motives.
- Despite the evidence, the whistleblower was met with a conspiracy of silence from his colleagues and superiors.
- The victim of harassment was afraid to speak out for fear of retaliation, creating a conspiracy of silence that allowed the perpetrator to continue their behavior.
- The conspiracy of silence surrounding the financial crisis has led many to question the actions of banks and government officials.
- In some cases, the conspiracy of silence can be broken by whistleblowers who risk their careers to expose truths.
Roots and History
The idiom "conspiracy of silence" dates back to at least the mid-19th century and has been used in various contexts throughout history. In the early days, it was often associated with political scandals and cover-ups, such as the scandal surrounding Watergate in the 1970s. However, over time, it has come to be used more broadly to refer to any situation where individuals or groups work together to keep information hidden.
Synonyms in English
- Cover up
- Hush money
- Silence of the lambs
- Keeping secrets
- Concealing information
Synonyms in other languages
- Spanish: el silencio de los responsables (the silence of those responsible)
- French: le complot du silence (the conspiracy of silence)
- German: das Verschweigen der Komplizen (the concealment of the accomplices)
- Italian: l'accordo di silenzio (the agreement of silence)
- Arabic: التضامن بالخضلة الشركية (the conspiracy of corporate silence)