They were 'cowed' into silence by threats. [=they did not complain, publicly say anything, etc., because they had been threatened]
They'll be arguing about this 'till the cows come home'.
The football team was a 'cash cow' for the university.
(..) - Good Morning. - Colonel? 'Gavisti'. He says it means an argument. - What do you say, it means? - A desire for more cows. Pack your bags. - All right, give me minutes? - We take off in . Dr. Banks. Sorry, I couldn't hear (..)2016 Arrival