expression, noun
making no sound; staying quiet
Literal meaning: adopting a posture or stance of complete silence, often to avoid detection.
敵に見つからないように、音無しの構えでじっとしていた。
I stayed perfectly still, making no sound, so as not to be found by the enemy.
expression, noun
lying low; keeping quiet and waiting for a chance
Figurative use: deliberately staying silent and inconspicuous, often while waiting for the right moment to act.
彼はチャンスが来るまで音無しの構えを決め込んだ。
He decided to lie low until an opportunity came.
Alternate spelling using なし instead of 無し; both are used.
A set phrase combining 音無し (soundless) and 構え (stance, posture). The exact origin is uncertain, but it likely derives from martial arts or strategic contexts where silence is used as a tactic.