This idiom comes from China's ancient novel A Dream of Red Mansions. A Dream of Red Mansions is a novel by Cao Xueqin, a writer in Qing Dynasty, and is regarded as the pinnacle of China's ancient novels.
In the 56th episode of A Dream of Red Mansions, the old lady is suspicious because of the relationship between Baoyu and Daiyu. She asked the old lady all kinds of situations in front of everyone and expressed her worries many times. Jia Zheng saw that everyone had something to say, so he raised his glass and said, Don't talk. I hope you will stop talking about it, and don't use words to describe or further explain it.
Later, this idiom became a fixed expression to show that the situation is clear and needless to say. It is also often used in other different occasions to express similar meaning.
This idiom can be used in many situations, especially in the following situations:
1. Debate or argue: When the answer to a question is obvious and there is no room for further argument, you can say: Don't open your mouth. It means not to continue the debate or argument, because the conclusion is already clear.
2. Prove the facts: When an idea or fact has been fully proved and cannot be denied, you can use "no-talk" to emphasize that no further explanation is needed.
3. Explain clearly: When a certain situation or event has been clearly explained and understood by everyone, it can be said that it will not be explained or explained again.
4. Reveal the truth: When a secret or secret is revealed so that everyone knows the truth, the word "don't open your mouth" can be used to indicate that there is no need for further explanation or discussion.
Usage of the idiom "don't open your mouth, respect your mouth"
1. Privacy protection: On the occasion of privacy protection, people can use closed ceremonies to express their willingness not to disclose information or answer questions. For example, when asked some personal information or questions that are inconvenient to answer, you can say: Don't open your mouth.
2. Refuse to argue: Sometimes, in a debate or quarrel, because both sides insist on their own views, they can't reach an understanding. At this point, you can use "don't open your mouth" to express your willingness to stop the debate.
3. Kindly ask for advice: When asking or consulting questions, you can express an open-minded attitude of asking for advice with your mouth. For example, when asking questions to teachers or elders.