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Vocabulary : Sayings : Quizzes : Mixed 8 : Silence means consent

Silence means consent

Meaning: The idea here is that if you don't disagree, you automatically agree. Keeping quiet is the same as giving permission.

Note: silence (noun): absence of sound; not speaking | consent (noun): agreement; permission | The principle of "silence means consent" is not accepted in English law.

Origin: From the Latin: "Qui tacet consentire videtur" ("He who is silent seems to consent")

Quick Quiz:

If "silence means consent" and you say nothing when a friend suggests robbing a bank, it means that you
  1. agree
  2. disagree
  3. haven't decided

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