Hold One’s Peace: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Hold One’s Peace” mean?

"Hold One's Peace" means to remain silent or not speak.

What context can I use the in?

Example

Despite the urge to speak up, he decided to hold his peace during the meeting.

Example

She was tempted to argue, but she chose to hold her peace and avoid further conflict.

Example

The teacher asked for any objections, but the students held their peace and remained quiet

Is “Hold One’s Peace” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Hold One’s Peace” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Hold One’s Peace” effectively in context?

You can use "Hold One's Peace" to describe the action of choosing to remain silent or not speak up in a situation. It implies refraining from expressing one's thoughts, opinions, or objections. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this phrase effectively:

• 1. Meeting

  Despite the urge to speak up, he decided to hold his peace during the meeting.

• 2. Conflict

  She was tempted to argue, but she chose to hold her peace and avoid further conflict.

• 3. Classroom

  The teacher asked for any objections, but the students held their peace and remained quiet.

Similar phrases to “Hold One’s Peace”:

Keep mum

To remain silent or keep quiet

Example

He decided to keep mum about the incident and not share any details.

Zip one's lips

To keep quiet or not reveal information

Example

She zipped her lips and refused to divulge any secrets.

Hold one's tongue

To refrain from speaking or expressing one's thoughts

Example

He held his tongue and didn't say anything to avoid an argument.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Hold One’s Peace” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Hold One's Peace" can be traced back to the Bible, specifically in the King James Version. In the book of Psalms, it is written, 'I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred.' The phrase has since been used to refer to the act of remaining silent or not speaking up.

Is “Hold One’s Peace” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Hold One's Peace" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe the act of remaining silent or not speaking up in various situations.

What tone does “Hold One’s Peace” have?

"Hold One's Peace" conveys a tone of restraint and self-control. It suggests the choice to withhold one's thoughts or opinions, often in order to maintain peace or avoid conflict.

Can “Hold One’s Peace” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Hold One's Peace" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in personal conversations, professional meetings, or any situation where the act of remaining silent is relevant.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Despite his disagreement, he chose to hold his peace.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "hold your peace"!' to imply the need for silence.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• stay silent
• remain hushed
• keep quiet
• say nothing
• keep one's mouth shut

Antonyms

• speak up
• voice one's opinion
• express oneself
• share one's thoughts