zip your lip

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "zip your lip" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as an informal way to tell someone to be quiet or stop talking. Example: "When the teacher walked in, I had to remind my classmates to zip their lips and pay attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Zip your lip: Don't respond with any verbal response, especially an aggressive response.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Zip your lips".

The New Yorker

Zip your lips, is the universal message, and get with the program.

The New York Times

But if you don't have something nice to say, zip your lips.

Huffington Post

Next time you're about to call another woman a "prude" or a "slut" just zip your lips.

Huffington Post

So much of what you gain will be through listening so zip your lips and really try to understand the many personalities at your new workplace.

Huffington Post

You can zip your coat.

WikiHow

You can zip your pants.

WikiHow

Do Web zipping your enemies.

WikiHow

Would you consider trimming yours?" Otherwise, keep your lips zipped and pretend you have adopted a golden retriever puppy: Just lay down some extra carpeting to protect your hardwood floors from roomie's talons.

The New York Times

Though he doesn't zip his lip as well as a team player should when he loses, Powell loyally stays aboard to argue again another day.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to "zip your lip", consider the context. It can be perceived as rude if used inappropriately, especially in formal situations.

Common error

Avoid using "zip your lip" in professional or academic writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "refrain from speaking" or "remain silent" to maintain a respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "zip your lip" functions as an imperative, urging someone to be silent. Ludwig's examples show it used to directly instruct or advise someone to stop talking, often in situations where discretion or avoiding conflict is desired.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

24%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "zip your lip" is an informal idiom used to tell someone to be quiet or stop talking. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English, while also noting its suitability for informal contexts. When choosing to use this phrase, consider the setting and your audience, as it may be perceived as rude in formal environments. Alternatives like "keep quiet" or "hold your tongue" might be more appropriate in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep quiet

This is a direct and simple way of asking someone to stop talking.

hold your tongue

This suggests a conscious effort to avoid saying something.

button your lip

Similar to "zip your lip", this is an informal idiom for staying silent.

clam up

This implies a sudden and often reluctant silence.

fall silent

This describes the act of becoming quiet.

say nothing

A straightforward instruction to not speak.

bite your tongue

Similar to 'hold your tongue', with a bit more emphasis on preventing oneself from saying something.

remain silent

A more formal way of saying to stay quiet.

keep mum

An informal idiom meaning to keep something a secret or to stay quiet.

hush

A simple and direct command to be quiet.

FAQs

What does "zip your lip" mean?

The phrase "zip your lip" is an idiom that means to be quiet or stop talking. It's an informal way to tell someone to be silent.

When is it appropriate to use "zip your lip"?

It's generally appropriate to use "zip your lip" in informal settings, like among friends or family. Avoid using it in formal situations where a more respectful tone is needed.

What are some alternatives to "zip your lip"?

You can use alternatives like "keep quiet", "hold your tongue", or "remain silent" depending on the context.

Is "zip your lip" considered rude?

Depending on the context and tone, "zip your lip" can be perceived as rude. It's best to use it with people you know well and in situations where informality is acceptable. Otherwise, opt for more polite ways to ask someone to be quiet.