No soltar prenda

not to say a word; **not to say a word**; **not to let anything slip**; **to keep one's mouth shut**; **not to spill the beans**; **to keep quiet**

No soltar prenda means to refuse to say anything, keep a secret or avoid revealing information.

The person deliberately remains silent despite being expected to speak.

• refuses to reveal a secret
• keeps an important piece of information to themselves
• avoids answering questions
• remains completely silent about a matter
• cannot be persuaded to talk

It works by plain analogy with a scene anyone can picture.

One traditional explanation links prenda to something valuable held as a pledge or guarantee.

To soltar la prenda would have meant releasing what one possessed.

Over time, the expression shifted from releasing an object to releasing information.

Today, most speakers have no idea of the historical connection.

The idiom survives while the original image has disappeared.

The expression is often used humorously.

Someone organising a surprise party may proudly say:

No he soltado prenda.

Likewise, friends may tease someone who refuses to reveal details:

¡Venga, suelta prenda!

Spanish has several colourful expressions for revealing information:

• Soltar prenda → to reveal information.
• Irse de la lengua → to let something slip accidentally.
• Cantar → to confess or give information (especially under pressure).

Each one describes a different way in which a secret may stop being a secret.

Do not translate the expression literally.

English speakers would never say:

He didn't let go of the garment.

Instead, use expressions such as:

• He didn't say a word.
• She wouldn't tell us anything.
• He kept his mouth shut.
• She didn't spill the beans.

Choose the translation that best matches the context.