Making someone be quiet, or “shutting them up,” is a phrase that can have both literal and figurative meanings. Literally, it refers to preventing someone from speaking. Figuratively, it can mean silencing someone’s opinions or ideas.
There are many reasons why someone might want to make someone else be quiet. They may be trying to avoid conflict, protect themselves or others from harm, or simply get some peace and quiet. In some cases, it may be necessary to make someone be quiet in order to maintain order or safety. For example, a teacher may need to make a student be quiet in order to continue teaching the class.