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! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! I took 'em back, and you know it! You remember that vandalism out at the stockyard? Totally her! Like I could tip a cow by myself. Hmm. Wade... isn't there some outstanding warrant for whoever dumped your mama's (..)2002 Sweet Home Alabama