噤若寒蝉

jìnruòhánchán

as silent as a cicada in cold weather—keep quiet out of fear

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keep quiet out of fear

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keep quiet out of fear

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jin4 ruo4 han2 chan2

to keep quiet out of fear (idiom)

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噤若寒蝉

jìn ruò hán chán

keep silent like a cicada in cold weather; be as quiet (silent) as cicadas in late autumn; be as silent as a cold cicada; be as silent as a winter cicada; become silent as an autumn cicada; be reduced to silence; dead silent; hold one's tongue; keep mum about; keep one's mouth shut; keep quiet out of fear; maintain a discreet silence; (as) mute as a mouse (a fish; a stone; a statue):

他的话完了， 他的几个支持者拼命地鼓掌， 而更多的人却噤若寒蝉， 面面相觑。 As soon as he finished, his supporters applauded vigorously, but most of the masses were taken aback and exchanged doubtful glances.

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噤若寒蟬|噤若寒蝉 [jìn ruò hán chán] ► to keep quiet out of fear (idiom)