acqua in bocca
phrase, idiomColloquial
A Italian slang term. Browse all Italian slang.
What it means
Keep it to yourself; don't breathe a word. The image is of holding a mouthful of water so you physically cannot speak.
Literally: Water in the mouth.
Examples with translations
È una sorpresa, acqua in bocca!
It's a surprise, don't say a word!
Te lo dico, ma acqua in bocca.
I'll tell you, but keep it quiet.