expression
what people say; rumors; public opinion
Refers to the talk of others, often with a nuance of gossip or public scrutiny. Commonly used in set phrases like 人の口には戸が立てられない (you can't stop people from talking).
See also: 人の口には戸が立てられない
人の口に戸は立てられないから、秘密は話さないほうがいい。
You can't stop people from talking, so it's better not to share secrets.
人の口がうるさくて、小さな町では何でもすぐ広まる。
People talk too much; in a small town, everything spreads quickly.