The Archive

Etymology Journal · S

Speak now or forever hold your peace

Meaning

A formal way to ask for final input before a decision is made or a window of opportunity closes. It is a slightly dramatic way to insist that someone voice their concerns immediately.

Formal, dramatic

Used in a sentence

  • If anyone has a better way to organize this file system, speak now or forever hold your peace.
  • I am sending the email in five minutes, so speak now or forever hold your peace.
  • We are ordering lunch now, so speak now or forever hold your peace about the menu.

The backstory

This phrase is most famous for its inclusion in the traditional Christian marriage ceremony, where the officiant asks if anyone objects to the union.

Heard in

Nationwide

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