break the silence

verb2

1. •
   To start talking in a conversation after a period where nobody speaks.

   • Both men waited for the captain to make a decision. Finally, Dean broke the silence. “We need to know what to do, Captain! Before we sink!”
2. •
   To state an opinion on a subject that has been taboo for a period of time.

   • The Free Tibet campaign is calling on world leaders to break the silence, claiming they "continue to refrain from publicly speaking out for Tibet". — 2012