噤若寒蝉jìn ruò hán chánas dumb as an oyster;as mute as a fish (/mackerel/mouse/poker/statue/stone); as silent as a cicada in cold weather—keep quiet out of fear; keep mum about; maintain a discreet silence ❍ 她那傲慢的,仇恨的眼光,像袭来的一阵疾雨,公子们突然被淋得~了。(杨沫《青春之歌》33)The effect of her uncompromising defiance was like that of a squall of rain upon cicadas—the young men were struck dumb. ❍ 他的话完了,台下有几个人拼命地高声鼓掌, 而更多的人却~, 面面相觑。(杨沫《青春之歌》561) As soon as Wang Zhong finished,his supporters applauded vigorously,but most of the students were taken aback and exchanged doubtful glances. 噤若寒蝉jìn ruò hán chán噤:闭口不吭声。像寒冷天气中的知了一样不作声。形容不敢吱声。keep quiet out of fear, have lost one’s tongue, maintain a discreet silence |