This phrase literally translates to 'he who is silent grants'. It is used to imply that silence or non-response to a situation or question is seen as an agreement or acceptance to the situation or fact.
Examples
- Spanish: '¿Eres tú el que comió mi torta? No respondes, así que el que calla otorga.'
- English: 'Are you the one who ate my sandwich? You're not responding, so silence means consent.'