🤫 Conspiracy of Silence: That Unspeakable Pact of Shushness 🤐
Definition:
An agreement, either tacit or explicit, to disclose nothing about an individual or situation. The term nearly always refers to disclosing something unfavorable, or even criminal. For example, physicians often have been accused of protecting an incompetent member of their profession by keeping quiet. Dating from the late nineteenth century, the term at first was used by individuals complaining of lack of attention.
Fun Fact: The poet Lewis Morris reportedly complained to Oscar Wilde that a conspiracy of silence prevented his works from being reviewed and asked what he should do, whereupon Wilde replied, “Join it.”
Similar Terms, Expressions, and Idioms:
- Keep mum: To remain silent or say nothing.
- Cover-up: An attempt to prevent people discovering the truth about a serious mistake or crime.
- Mum’s the word: Keep it a secret; don’t tell anyone.
- Under wraps: Being kept secret until some future time.
- Hush-hush: (Informal) Secret or confidential.
Synonyms:
- Secrecy
- Non-disclosure
- Gag order
- Confidentiality
- Cloak of silence
Antonyms:
- Revelation
- Disclosure
- Transparency
- Publicity
- Confession
Famous Quotes:
- “The conspiracy of silence speaks louder than words.” – John Lennon
- “If you keep your silence about a thing, you will surely make invisible the truth.” – Mehmet Murat İldan
Recommended Literature, Books, and Movies:
- Book: “The Silence of the Lambs” by Thomas Harris
- Movie: “Spotlight” (2015) - showcases investigative journalism uncovering systematic child abuse.
- Poetry: “Lying in Rapture” by Joshua Boswell
- Song: “Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel
- Literature: “1984” by George Orwell - Deals with themes of surveillance and secrecy in a dystopian society.
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell:
In a world brimming with noise, secrets carve out their own curious paths. Dare to uncover, to reveal, and to speak when your heart whispers. Truth, like a bird from its cage, yearns for the open skies.
The more you peel back society’s layers, the more conspiracies of silence you’ll find. Now equipped with this knowledge, may you choose your words—and your silences—wisely.
