# bird in the bosom

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/bird-in-the-bosom
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A secret pledge that one makes for another.

## Examples

- He kept his bird in the bosom until the right moment.
- She shared a bird in the bosom with her sister, promising to protect the family secret at all costs.
- Bound by a solemn bird in the bosom, he refused to betray his companion even when the authorities offered him a full pardon.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.