E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Amyclæan Silence.
More silent than Amyclœ. The inhabitants of Amyclæ were so often alarmed by false rumours of the approach of the Spartans, that they made a decree no one should ever again mention the subject. When the Spartans actually came against the town, no one durst mention it, and the town was taken.
