噤若寒蝉

噤若寒蝉 [jìn ruò hán chán]

1. ■ 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.