tight-lipped

Also found in: Thesaurus, Idioms.

tight·lipped

also tight-lipped (tīt′lĭpt′)

adj.

1. Having the lips pressed together: a tightlipped smile.

2. Reluctant to speak; close-mouthed. See Synonyms at laconic.

3. Characterized by restraint or reserve in expression: The politician gave tightlipped responses to questions about the incident.

tight′lipped′ness n.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

tight-lipped

adj

1. reticent, secretive, or taciturn

2. with the lips pressed tightly together, as through anger

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

tight′-lipped′

adj.

1. speaking very little; taciturn; closemouthed.

2. having the lips drawn tight.

[1875–80]

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:

Switch to new thesaurus

tight-lipped

adjective secretive, reticent, uncommunicative, reserved, quiet, silent, mute, taciturn, close-mouthed, unforthcoming, close-lipped Officials are tight-lipped about launching an attack.

Collins Thesaurus of the English Language – Complete and Unabridged 2nd Edition. 2002 © HarperCollins Publishers 1995, 2002

Translations

tight-lipped

[ˈtaɪtˈlɪpt] ADJ

1. (= secretive) → hermético
to be/remain tight-lipped about sth → mantener la boca cerrada respecto a algo
tight-lipped silence → silencio m hermético

2. (= angry) [person] → mudo de rabia; [expression] → de rabia contenida

Collins Spanish Dictionary - Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005

tight-lipped

[ˌtaɪtˈlɪpt] adj to be tight-lipped (silent) → essere reticente; (angry) → tenere le labbra serrate

Collins Italian Dictionary 1st Edition © HarperCollins Publishers 1995

Mentioned in ?

References in periodicals archive ?

He happily posed for pictures ahead of a hustings event in the West Midlands - even if he was staying tight-lipped over a late-night argument ?

Boris front and centre despite brush with law

'They may have detained me using numerous lies, but this is no reason to remain silent and tight-lipped,' De Lima said.

De Lima: I do my job in jail

The two suspects, from an air base in Gyeonggi Province, remained tight-lipped, refusing to answer questions from investigators.

2 USFK soldiers caught stealing clothing

Summary: Farhan Akhtar prefers to be tight-lipped about his personal life.

Is Farhan Akhtar making his relationship with this model official?

Deputy Principal Syphrose Akello remained tight-lipped.

Shock as student collapses and dies at Lwak Girls'

He had come to show solidarity with those brutalized by the law enforcement agencies in the Model Town and added that he didn't want people to describe him as a tyrant for remaining tight-lipped over such issues.

Mustafa Kamal says will not remain tight-lipped over oppression

MANAGEMENT at Jaguar Land Rover are keeping tight-lipped about speculation of a major jobs boom at the car plant.

HOPES OF JOBS BONANZA AT JLR; Firm tight-lipped over Halewood claims

The British royal couple are expecting their first child - due in July - and although they are remaining tight-lipped about its gender, William's brother is said to be openly "thrilled" Kate Middleton will give birth to his first nephew.

Are Prince William, Kate Middleton having a boy?

Summary: Johannesburg: The South African government remained tight-lipped about Nelson Mandela's health, sparking speculation that the ...

Govt mum on Mandela health

EDDIE AHERN was yesterday tight-lipped after learning of charges brought by the British Horseracing Authority that could see the jockey warned off from the sport.

AHERN SET TO FACE BHA CHARGES

Summary: Buckingham Palace has remained tight-lipped over the Queen's bloodshot eye at a polo match in Windsor on Sunday.

Queen sports a bloodshot eye at polo match

Two Islamist parties, the Muslim Brotherhood and Al Noor Salafi, have claimed a lead in ballot counting, but officials are tight-lipped about any results.