Pipe down
Meaning
To become quiet or stop making noise, often used as an imperative.
Origin
On the bustling decks of old sailing ships, the boatswain, or 'bosun', was responsible for issuing commands to the crew, often using a distinctive metal whistle known as a 'pipe'. When the bosun wanted the crew to cease their activity, particularly any loud work, singing, or general clamor, a specific, prolonged note on the pipe would signal them to quieten down and prepare for new orders, or simply to maintain silence. This aural command to hush the noise on deck, delivered by the shrill sound of the whistle, gave birth to the phrase 'pipe down', a direct order to become silent and still.
Examples
- Hey, you two! It's almost midnight, so you need to pipe down before you wake the entire house.
- The teacher had to tell the rowdy students to pipe down several times during the assembly.