Confidentiality & Secrecy: English Vocabulary List

used to encourage people to think carefully before speaking and to consider the potential consequences of their words, recognizing that sometimes it is better to say nothing at all

"Saying nothing keeps you out of trouble — a shut mouth catches no flies."

"He kept his opinion to himself throughout the meeting — a closed mouth catches no flies."

used to say that once a person has died, they cannot reveal any secrets or information, particularly used to caution someone against revealing sensitive or potentially dangerous information

"The dead cannot reveal secrets — dead men tell no tales."

"The document was destroyed before anyone could read it — dead men tell no tales."

used to suggest that even in seemingly private locations, there may be someone present who could overhear or observe one's actions, so one should always be mindful of their behavior

"You can be seen or heard anywhere outside — fields have eyes and woods have ears."

"She moved the conversation inside, knowing that fields have eyes and woods have ears."

used to emphasize that secrets have a way of being revealed eventually, and so it is important to act with integrity and honesty in all aspects of life

"Hidden crimes always come to light eventually — murder will out."

"The cover-up lasted years, but murder will out — the truth was published eventually."

used to encourage people to be cautious about sharing information that has been shared with them in confidence, recognizing that doing so can damage relationships and weaken trust

"Secrets exist for a reason — secrets are secrets for a reason."

"She refused to share the information even with close colleagues — secrets are secrets for a reason."

used to imply that it is important to be careful about who one shares confidential information with, as each additional person who is told the secret increases the risk of it being disclosed

"Don't tell anyone else."

"Sharing the plan with three people ensured it was no longer a secret — three may keep a secret if two are dead."

used to imply that any scandalous activities that occur during group travel should not be discussed with others outside of the group

"What happens privately should stay private — what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas."

"The team understood that what happened in Vegas stays in Vegas applied to the offsite retreat."