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Region: US | Usage example: During the crisis, we reminded the team that loose lips sink ships.

Loose lips sink ships

Meaning

Careless talk can cause serious harm.

Usage

Used when warning about gossip.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

World War II propaganda urging silence about troop movements.

Widespread in U.S. wartime posters.

Related Idioms

Loose cannon

An unpredictable person who might cause damage.

Sink or swim

Succeed or fail without help.

Sink your teeth into

Engage deeply with a task or subject.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.