closemouthed
Translation
secretive, uncommunicative, reticent
Examples
He is very closemouthed about his work.
He is very closemouthed about his work.
The villagers were closemouthed with strangers.
The villagers were closemouthed with strangers.
Grammar Patterns
((be)) closemouthed ((about sth.)) to be secretive about a topic He was closemouthed about his plans.
((be)) closemouthed ((with sb.)) to be uncommunicative with a person He was closemouthed with the police.
Similar Words
Synonyms: reticent, secretive, taciturn, tight-lipped; Antonyms: talkative, open, communicative
Etymology
A compound word from 'close' + 'mouth' + '-ed' suffix, literally meaning 'having a closed mouth'.
Memory Tips
Picture someone literally keeping their mouth closed, not letting any words or secrets out.