shut up and color v. phr. mind one’s own business, keep one’s head down, do as one is told. Editorial Note: Most often used as a dismissive command toward someone perceived to be uninformed, inexperienced, or unimportant. The 1980 citation is probably a nonce usage, as the phrase is used there to talk about a completely literal act of keeping quiet and coloring. Etymological Note: Imitates a reprimand that might be given to a child who speaks when not spoken to. The meaning of “color” that is relevant here is “to use crayons to draw a picture or fill in the pages of a coloring book.” (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
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