# 守口如瓶

shǒu kǒu rú píng

Keep a secret completely

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Keep the mouth sealed like a bottle

**Register:** Neutral · general

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Describe refusing to disclose confidential information.

Silence is not necessarily virtuous when it conceals harm.

## Understanding the expression

A closed bottle keeps its contents from escaping. Comparing a mouth to that seal makes words seem like something that must remain contained. The expression describes strong discretion about a confidence, investigation, or surprise. It can praise trustworthiness or criticize concealment depending on what is being hidden. A promise to remain silent should therefore be understood in context, especially when someone's safety requires speaking to an appropriate person.

## Examples

她对生日惊喜守口如瓶。

### Traditional Chinese

她對生日驚喜守口如瓶。

tā duì shēng rì jīng xǐ shǒu kǒu rú píng 。

She kept the birthday surprise completely secret.

律师对客户信息守口如瓶。

### Traditional Chinese

律師對客戶信息守口如瓶。

lǜ shī duì kè hù xìn xī shǒu kǒu rú píng 。

The lawyer kept client information confidential.

他对事故原因守口如瓶。

### Traditional Chinese

他對事故原因守口如瓶。

tā duì shì gù yuán yīn shǒu kǒu rú píng 。

He said nothing about the accident's cause.

我答应对你的计划守口如瓶。

### Traditional Chinese

我答應對你的計劃守口如瓶。

wǒ dā ying duì nǐ de jì huà shǒu kǒu rú píng 。

I promised to keep your plan secret.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E5%AE%88%E5%8F%A3%E5%A6%82%E7%93%B6)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=426&webMd=1&la=0)

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