Tight-Lipped – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever asked a friend about a surprise party—and they just smiled and said nothing? Or noticed a politician avoiding questions during an interview? In English, we might say they’re being tight-lipped. This vivid idiom describes someone who is deliberately silent or secretive—refusing to share information, even when asked.
What Does “Tight-Lipped” Mean?
“Tight-lipped” means unwilling to talk or reveal information. It suggests someone is keeping secrets, staying quiet on purpose, or being cautious about what they say. Think of it literally: their lips are pressed together so tightly that no words can slip out. It’s not about shyness—it’s about intentional silence.
When to Use It
Use “tight-lipped” in neutral or slightly dramatic conversations:
• When someone avoids answering: “She was tight-lipped about her next job.”
• In news or storytelling: “The company remained tight-lipped about the merger.”
• When describing secret-keepers: “He’s always tight-lipped around strangers.”
It’s common in speaking, writing, and media. Avoid it in very casual texts (like “lol” chats), but it’s perfect for describing discretion or mystery.
Example Sentences
- The celebrity was tight-lipped during the interview—no spoilers!
- My brother’s been tight-lipped since he got that new job. I think it’s confidential.
- Don’t ask her about the breakup—she’s been tight-lipped for weeks.
- The mayor stayed tight-lipped on the budget cuts until the official announcement.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “So… did you hear who won the award?”
Jamie: “Nope. The committee is being totally tight-lipped.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t use “tight-lipped” to describe someone who’s quiet because they’re shy, tired, or uninterested. It specifically implies a deliberate choice not to speak. Also, it’s always hyphenated as a compound adjective before a noun (“a tight-lipped response”), but not after (“He was tight lipped” is acceptable, though “tight-lipped” is more common).
❌ Don’t say: “She’s tight-lipped because she’s introverted.” (Introversion ≠ secrecy.)
✅ Do say: “She’s tight-lipped about her past.”
✅ Do say: “They gave a tight-lipped statement to the press.”
Practice Tip
Next time someone avoids answering a question—on TV, in the office, or among friends—notice it and say: “They’re being tight-lipped.” Using the phrase in real moments of secrecy builds accurate, natural fluency.
Final Note
Now you can use “tight-lipped” to describe intentional silence with precision and color—just like native speakers do! It’s a phrase full of intrigue and restraint, used whenever people choose secrecy over sharing. Keep listening for it in news, dramas, and real-life mysteries. You’re not just learning English—you’re learning how people guard their words. Keep going—you’ve got this!
