a wall of silence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wall of silence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a complete lack of communication or response, often in a context of secrecy or avoidance. Example: "After the scandal broke, the community responded with a wall of silence, refusing to discuss the events that had transpired."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"He was behind a wall of silence," his father said.

The New Yorker

He added, "A wall of silence and resistance goes up".

The New York Times

He was met with a "wall of silence," he says.

The Guardian - Tech

A conspiracy like this is dependent on each participant keeping a wall of silence.

The New York Times

Once we had got back home, she barricaded herself behind a wall of silence.

The New Yorker

Detectives had visited China but ran up against a wall of silence.

The New York Times - Sports

Many town residents complain of a wall of silence here as well.

The New York Times

"The UK's child victims of female genital mutilation are hidden behind a wall of silence.

The Guardian

By that time Argentina had fallen behind a wall of silence.

The Guardian

The Mungiki seems to be protected by a wall of silence.

The New York Times

A wall of silence is part of the way in which lawyers, accountants and bankers help the mafia.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a wall of silence" to describe situations where there's a deliberate refusal to communicate or share information, particularly when covering up wrongdoing or avoiding accountability.

Common error

Avoid using "a wall of silence" literally. It's a figurative expression; using it to describe an actual physical barrier instead of a lack of communication would be incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wall of silence" functions as a noun phrase that acts as a subject complement or object within a sentence. According to Ludwig, it describes a situation characterized by a lack of communication or refusal to provide information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a wall of silence" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to depict a deliberate lack of communication or refusal to disclose information. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate across various contexts, especially in news and media where it underscores the obstruction of information. While primarily neutral in register, leaning towards formal, it’s a powerful way to portray secrecy or resistance. Alternatives like "a curtain of silence" or "a code of silence" offer nuanced variations, yet "a wall of silence" remains a robust and frequently employed choice, particularly when emphasizing the impenetrability of the information barrier.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a conspiracy of silence

This phrase suggests a deliberate agreement among multiple parties to remain silent about a specific topic or event.

a code of silence

This alternative refers to an agreement, either explicit or implicit, to remain silent about certain matters, often to protect others.

a wall of reticence

This phrase focuses on the unwillingness to speak or disclose information, emphasizing a reluctance to communicate.

a curtain of silence

This alternative evokes a sense of concealment and separation, suggesting that the silence is deliberately hiding something.

an impenetrable silence

This alternative conveys the idea that the silence is impossible to break through or overcome, emphasizing its strength.

a shell of silence

This alternative suggests a fragile or easily broken silence, implying a superficial attempt to conceal information.

a veil of silence

This implies something is hidden or obscured by silence, a thin barrier to the truth.

a blanket of silence

This phrase implies a pervasive and encompassing silence, suggesting that communication is completely suppressed.

collective silence

Focuses on the silence as a group phenomenon, often implying agreement or coercion.

unresponsiveness

This alternative directly addresses the lack of reply or reaction, avoiding figurative language.

FAQs

How can I use "a wall of silence" in a sentence?

You can use "a wall of silence" to describe situations where there is a refusal to provide information or communicate. For example: "The investigation was met with "a wall of silence" from witnesses."

What are some synonyms for "a wall of silence"?

Alternatives to "a wall of silence" include phrases like "a shell of silence", "a curtain of silence", or "a code of silence", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a wall of silence" in formal writing?

Yes, "a wall of silence" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in journalistic or analytical contexts. Its usage is widespread across reputable news sources.

What does it mean when someone says there's "a wall of silence"?

It typically means that people are deliberately withholding information or refusing to speak about a particular topic, often to protect someone or something.