what does it mean:dead men tell no stories?

Question

i've read it in an article,but i don't understamd the meaning.
does it mean something like the no more lies?

Answer 1

It's usually used by assassins or criminals who kill others to silence them: an example would be if a robber were to be blackmailed by a former confederate; that his deeds would be revealed to the police unless money was handed over. In this case, the robber might be tempted to kill the offending person, because dead men tell no tales: once the man is dead, there's no way he can reveal him to the person.

It's one reason why trained assassins normally never leave anybody alive (unless they want somebody to spread fear throughout the rest of his faction): dead men tell no tales, so there'll be no one to reveal his identity.

A previous correspondent is right in saying forensics have rendered that particular concept a lot less reliable, though =D

Answer 2

It means living men have told all kinds of stories about about them. Even if they're alive, no one would believe their stories, so they don't say anything.

Answer 3

The dead can't speak, therefore no stories. Forensics has changed that theory.

Answer 4

just what is says,dead men cant talk can they so they cant tell stories

Answer 5

It means "Kill the witness(es)"