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.
(..) Thanks for stopping by. Sorry to eat and run. It's what you live for. Good to see you. It's okay. Tasty cow, Aunt Meg. It's for you. Thank you. You and me, right? Sweet. Sweet. (..)1996 Twister
(..) We can't attack from the south. We'll get rolled. Watch me. I know you're upset. You just must breathe. We both got to breathe. Cow. I must go, Julia! We got cows! Another cow! I think it was the same one. We got drunkards. We got no path! Get us out of here! (..)1996 Twister