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.
(..) God bless the chickpea. Oh, God. I am so spoiled. That's it. And by the way, have I mentioned that back in high school... ...I was a cow? I used to wet my bed. I use my breasts to get other people's attention. We both do that. Monica and Rachel's apartment. Uh... Uh, yeah, just one second. Hi, Dad. (..)1995 TvShow: Friends Title: The One with Two Parts: Part 2 Season: 1 Episode 17