snug’s the word!, excl. — Green’s Dictionary of Slang

snug’s the word! excl.

[SE snug, i.e. covered up]

say nothing about this!

1764		K. O’Hara Midas II i: Mum – snugs the word.
1794		W. Godwin Caleb Williams (1966) 243: If therefore you will give us them there fifteen shiners, why snug is the word.
1850		Man of Pleasure’s Illus. Pocket-book n.p.: Everything is kept very dark here, and snug's the word.
1885		Essex Newsman 18 Apr. 3/6: Hush! ‘snug’s’ the word. this way, quick.
1894		Coleraine Chron. 24 Feb. 7/1: ‘Keep close, and snug’s the word!’.