Question of the Day #1136

The History Behind “Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace”

From the headline of this article at Brides.com.

  上記の文で、hold one's peaceの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "hold one's peace" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

黙っている、口をつぐんでいる

Keep one's peaceということもあります。

 

Answer

According to Britannica.com:

Hold your peace means the same as hold your tongue: "to keep silent or to not say anything about something." It's commonly heard in traditional marriage vows.

 

Examples

1. Should anyone here present know of any reason that this couple should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace. (This line is old-fashioned and not used very often anymore, but is heard in old movies depicting wedding ceremonies).
2. ...people who knew about this evil man but held their peace.
3. Colonel Fergusson nodded indulgently at such pertness and obstinacy, but held his peace.
4. And since the credit accrued to him, he held his peace.
5. No, better to hold her peace and pretend.

   

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