Tight-mouthed

Adjective describing a person who is reluctant to speak freely or disclose information, often characterized by a reserved or secretive demeanor.

This term can imply a controlled demeanor or an unwillingness to share thoughts, feelings, or opinions, which can sometimes indicate wariness or distrust.

In conversations, a tight-mouthed individual may provide minimal responses or avoid revealing personal views.

Tight-mouthed meaning with examples

• During the meeting, Janet was tight-mouthed about the ongoing project changes, providing only the bare minimum of details. Her colleagues felt frustrated by the lack of transparency, as they had hoped for a more open discussion. It was clear that she was holding back information, leaving everyone to speculate about potential implications. This tight-mouthed attitude often hindered collaborative efforts, as trust within the team was undermined.
• While interviewing the suspect, the detective noted his tight-mouthed demeanor. Each question was met with stern silence or vague replies, raising the detective’s suspicions further. Despite being presented with evidence, the suspect remained stone-faced, unwilling to explain his whereabouts. The tight-mouthed behavior made it challenging for the investigation to proceed, reminding the officer that sometimes a lack of words can speak louder than any confession.
• At the family gathering, Olivia was unusually tight-mouthed, steering clear of conversations about her recent breakup. Her relatives noticed her discomfort and tried to engage her with light-hearted topics, but Olivia remained reserved and offered no personal insights. The tight-mouthed approach suggested that she wasn’t ready to discuss her feelings, leaving her family feeling concerned but also respecting her boundaries and acknowledging her need for privacy.
• In the classroom, the new student maintained a tight-mouthed attitude, avoiding eye contact and responding only when directly addressed. The teacher recognized this insecurity and worked to create a welcoming environment, encouraging dialogue. However, the student’s tight-mouthed nature made it difficult to gauge his interests or talents, emphasizing the challenge educators often face when attempting to connect with reserved individuals who are hesitant to open up.