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.
(..) now even you're smarter than me. You know, you don't have so many friends that you can afford to start insulting them. Just eat, Sheldon. You'll feel better. Why waste food? When a cow goes dry, they don't keep feeding it... ...they just take her out and shoot her between the eyes. I'm confused. (..)2008 TvShow: The Big Bang Theory Title: The Jerusalem Duality Season: 1 Episode 12