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.
(..) Oh, man! This really stinks. All right, sharky. Come and get it. What the hell? - Cat: Holy cow! - Is that it? Looks about the right size. Get the cameras! Freidman: All right, baby. Come and get it! (..)2002 Shark Attack 3: Megalodon