Loose lips sink ships

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Loose lips sink ships

Origin of Phrases - L

 

Loose lips sink ships

Meaning: You must keep this secret or there will be a price paid.

 

Example: Do not discuss any of our plans outside this boardroom, remember loose lips sink ships.

 

Origin: Popularized by US military propaganda during World War II. The phrase was meant as a reminder that classified information was never to be discussed with anyone without proper clearance and a need to know.

Specifically the phrase means that disclosing a military secret to the enemy could result in large loses, such as the sinking of an entire ship.