conspiracy of silence

noun

1. a usually secret or unstated agreement to remain silent among those who know something whose disclosure might be damaging, harmful, or against their own best interest or that of their associates.

Word History and Origins

Origin of conspiracy of silence¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Idioms and Phrases

A tacit or explicit agreement to keep something secret. For example, In this state's medical society there is a conspiracy of silence regarding incompetent practitioners . This term was first used as a complaint about lack of attention, but today it more often refers to remaining silent about something unfavorable or criminal. [Late 1800s]

Example Sentences

Before the July general election, the Institute for Fiscal Studies think tank accused both main parties of a "conspiracy of silence" over public finances.

From BBC

In July, the month before Kennedy dropped out and endorsed former President Trump, she wrote a disparaging article about the “conspiracy of silence” to protect Trump’s then-rival, President Biden.

From Los Angeles Times

He added that there was a "conspiracy of silence between the Tories and Labour Party on austerity cuts".

From BBC

But both Labour and the government have also been criticised for a "conspiracy of silence" about how tightly they might squeeze spending if they win the election.

From BBC

An influential think tank, the Institute for Fiscal Studies, points to what it calls a "conspiracy of silence" about the tough decisions required after the election.

From BBC