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Have you ever heard someone use the term ‘loose lips sink ships’ and wondered what they were talking about? We are going to look at what this saying means and where it first came from. We will also look at how it can be used in a conversation.
“Loose Lips Sink Ships” Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
“Loose Lips Sink Ships” Meaning
The phrase “loose lips sink ships” means that careless talk or gossip can lead to serious consequences, particularly in the context of revealing sensitive information that could be harmful. It emphasizes the importance of discretion and caution when discussing confidential matters, as indiscretions can lead to dire outcomes, including security risks or failures.
Examples:
- “Remember, we need to keep this project confidential. Loose lips sink ships!”
- “He got in trouble for sharing details about the merger; loose lips sink ships.”
Origin of this Idiom
The idiom ‘loose lips sink ships’ first came from the second world war when it was believed that spies were everywhere. If you were to openly discuss military tactics, you might be heard and that would give the opposition an advantage-possibly sinking a ship.
Usage of “Loose Lips Sink Ships”
- In a workplace setting:
“Don’t discuss the merger details outside the office—loose lips sink ships, and we don’t want competitors to find out.”
- In a social context:
“Be careful who you share that gossip with—loose lips sink ships, and it could come back to bite you.”
- Regarding a confidential project:
“We have to keep the new product launch under wraps; remember, loose lips sink ships.”
- Advising discretion in a group:
“I wouldn’t talk about that surprise party too loudly. Loose lips sink ships, and you don’t want to spoil the surprise!”
Related Terms to “Loose Lips Sink Ships”
- Keep it under wraps – to keep something secret or confidential.
- Mum’s the word – a phrase indicating that one should remain silent or keep something private.
- A slip of the tongue – an unintentional error in speech that may reveal sensitive information.
- Hush-hush – something that is meant to be kept secret or confidential.
- Bite your tongue – to refrain from speaking, especially when one has the urge to say something inappropriate.
- Guard your words – a reminder to be careful about what one says.
- Caution is key – emphasizing the importance of being careful in communication.
- Watch your words – a warning to be mindful of what one says.
- Loose talk – casual or careless conversation that can lead to problems.
- Discretion advised – a phrase suggesting that one should be careful about sharing information.
Other Ways to Say the Phrase
There are other options to express the meaning of the term ‘loose lips sink ships.’
Here are some examples of other things you could say.
- Nothing good can come of idle gossip
- Careless talk costs lives
- Don’t talk carelessly
- Saying too much is dangerous
- Don’t say too much
“Loose Lips Sink Ships” Examples
Examples in Statements
This first statement is being made by a woman about her friend.
- ‘I warned her not to keep spreading those rumours and that loose lips sink ships.’
The next statement is made by a teacher to her student.
- ‘You should not go around school talking about other people, loose lips sink ships.’
Conversation Examples
You might hear the term ‘loose lips sink ships’ in a variety of different conversations. Here are some examples of what you might head.
The first conversation is happening between two friends.
- Person 1: “I am thinking about telling Claire my secret.”
- Person 2: “No, you shouldn’t.”
- Person 1: “Why not?”
- Person 2: “She will tell the world and you’ll regret it, loose lips sink ships.”
This is a conversation which is happening between two colleagues.
- Person 1: “Have you heard about the rumour of five people getting fired?”
- Person 2: “I’m not discussing this, loose lips sink ships.“
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