Meaning
To remain completely silent.
Cultural Background
In traditional households, 'modhu sivi levu' is a common form of non-verbal protest by daughters-in-law or children when they disagree with elders but cannot speak out due to 'Maryada' (respect). Gujarati traders often use this phrase to indicate that a deal's terms are strictly confidential and should not be leaked to competitors. In Saurashtra's folk tales, heroes often 'sew their mouths' to show their endurance and loyalty under torture. Gujarati influencers use the emoji 🤐 along with this phrase to signal they are staying out of 'tea' (gossip) or drama.
Use for emphasis
Use this when 'chup' (quiet) isn't strong enough. It shows you are *really* not going to talk.
Don't be too rude
Telling an elder 'Modhu sivi le' is very disrespectful. Use it only with friends or when describing someone else.
Meaning
To remain completely silent.
Use for emphasis
Use this when 'chup' (quiet) isn't strong enough. It shows you are *really* not going to talk.
Don't be too rude
Telling an elder 'Modhu sivi le' is very disrespectful. Use it only with friends or when describing someone else.
Past Tense Agreement
Always remember: 'Modhu sivi LIDHU'. The 'Lidhu' must be neuter to match 'Modhu'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
જ્યારે મેં તેને ચોરી કરતા પકડ્યો, ત્યારે તેણે ____.
When caught stealing, a person would likely stay silent (sew their mouth shut).
Which situation best fits the idiom 'મોઢું સીવી લેવું'?
Choose the correct scenario:
The idiom is specifically about intentional silence.
Complete the dialogue.
રાહુલ: 'તું કેમ કંઈ બોલતો નથી?' મિત્ર: 'કારણ કે મેં ____.'
The friend is explaining their current state of silence.
Match the phrase to the meaning.
Match 'મોઢું સીવી લેવું' with its meaning:
The idiom means to not speak at all.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Usage Contexts
Social
- • Arguments
- • Gossip
- • Secrets
Professional
- • Confidentiality
- • Interviews
- • Meetings
Practice Bank
4 exercisesજ્યારે મેં તેને ચોરી કરતા પકડ્યો, ત્યારે તેણે ____.
When caught stealing, a person would likely stay silent (sew their mouth shut).
Choose the correct scenario:
The idiom is specifically about intentional silence.
રાહુલ: 'તું કેમ કંઈ બોલતો નથી?' મિત્ર: 'કારણ કે મેં ____.'
The friend is explaining their current state of silence.
Match 'મોઢું સીવી લેવું' with its meaning:
The idiom means to not speak at all.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt can be. If you tell someone to do it, it's like saying 'Shut up'. If you describe yourself doing it, it's neutral.
No, it's too informal. Use 'મૌન ધારણ કરવું' instead.
'Bandh rakhvu' is just 'keep your mouth closed'. 'Sivi levu' implies a more permanent or stubborn silence.
No, it's 100% figurative. No needles involved!
You say: 'હું મોઢું સીવી લઈશ' (Hu modhu sivi laish).
Yes, very often in Gujarati dramas and films during emotional scenes.
Yes, it's perfect for that. 'I've sewed my mouth shut about the party.'
People will understand you, but it sounds slightly 'off' to a native speaker's ears.
Yes, 'આંખ આડા કાન કરવા' (to ignore), but nothing specifically about 'sewing eyes'.
Yes, it's used all over Gujarat, in both rural and urban areas.
Related Phrases
ચૂપ થઈ જવું
similarTo become quiet
મોઢા પર તાળું મારવું
synonymTo lock the mouth
પેટમાં વાત રાખવી
builds onTo keep a secret in the stomach
બકબક કરવું
contrastTo chatter incessantly
