Language: en
Meaning: (idiomatic)Torefrainfrom speaking; tobe silent.c.1590–1591(date written),William Shakespeare, “The Two Gentlemen of Verona”, inMr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies[…](First Folio), London:[…]Isaac Iaggard, andEd[ward]Blount, published1623,→OCLC,[Act V, scene ii]:Thurio:How likes she my discourse?Proteus:Ill, when you talk of war.Thurio:But well, when I discourse of love and peace?Julia:[Aside] But better, indeed, when youhold your peace.1611,The Holy Bible,[…](King James Version), London:[…]Robert Barker,[…],→OCLC,Psalms39:2:I was dumb with silence,Iheld my peace1728,Jonathan Swift,A Dialogue between Mad Mullinix and Timothy:Ne'erhold my peace, and ne'er stand still:I fart with twenty ladies by;They call me beast; and what care I?1860February 25,G. W. S., “Letter to Editor: Country Clergymen and Matrimony”, inNew York Times, retrieved3 October 2013:[U]nless he can give better arguments than he has given to show the truth of his observations, it would be well for him tohold his peace.1937April 2, “The Presidency: Economic Dissertation”, inTime, retrieved3 October 2013:Washington was still waiting last week for Franklin Roosevelt to say or do something about Sit-Down. . . . But if heheld his peaceon one topic, he spoke out boldly on another.2006October 25, “Farming supermarket 'victims' urged to speak out”, inThe Scotsman, Scotland, retrieved3 October 2013:Supermarket suppliers with a grievance have been urged to speak up soon or foreverhold their peace.
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