hold one’s tongue; keep one’s mouth shut; remain silent; say nothing ❍ 因陛下天威莫测，使耿介者～，怕事者唯唯诺诺，而小人则阿谀奉承。皇上左右之人，动不动就称颂陛下天纵英明，明察秋毫，……(姚雪垠《李自成》Ⅱ—792) None dare speak the truth for fear of arousing Your Majesty’s wrath,so honest people remain silent and the timid ones agree to everything,while the evil ones flatter and praise you for your brilliant leadership and insight.
缄口不言jiān kǒu bù yán
闭上嘴不说话。keep silent, remain silent, say nothing, hold one’s toague