Unit 8 - 8C

The idiom "breathe a word about something" originated from the idea that speaking requires the physical act of exhaling breath, and thus, uttering a word implies revealing or disclosing information. The phrase conveys the notion of keeping something secret or confidential by refraining from speaking or sharing information with others. It is primarily used to emphasize the importance of maintaining silence or discretion to prevent the disclosure of sensitive or private matters.

The idiom "keep something under one's hat" has its origins in the imagery of concealing information beneath one's hat to prevent others from seeing or knowing about it. The phrase emerged in the late 19th century and is associated with the practice of secretiveness or discretion. The expression is now used to suggest the idea of holding onto a piece of information privately, similar to hiding it beneath one's hat, and has since become a colloquial way to advise someone to keep a secret or to discreetly manage information.

The idiom "between you and me" originated from the notion of confidentiality and trust between two individuals. It implies a shared secret or information that is meant to be kept private and not shared with others. The phrase is used to emphasize the exclusivity of the communication, suggesting that the information is shared only between the speaker and the listener, creating a sense of intimacy or confidentiality.

The idiom "one's lips are sealed" originated from the practice of physically sealing or closing one's lips to ensure silence. The phrase signifies a commitment to keeping information confidential or maintaining secrecy. It implies that the person will not disclose or reveal any sensitive or confidential information, often in response to a request or when entrusted with a secret. This idiom emphasizes a strong determination to remain silent and not divulge any information, reinforcing the idea of maintaining confidentiality or privacy.