ENGLISH
REFERENCE

keep one's cards close to one's chest

idiom
Meaning

To avoid revealing one's thoughts, circumstances, or plans.


Origin

disputed origin

The figurative sense is a self-evident extension from the literal sense.

Examples
SIMPLE

He keeps his cards close to his chest about his new project.

CONTEXTUAL

The candidate kept his cards close to his chest during the interview, refusing to discuss his salary expectations until he received an official offer.

COMPLEX

In the high-stakes world of corporate negotiations, the lead lawyer preferred to keep her cards close to her chest, revealing her strategy only when the moment was most advantageous.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  3. 03

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  4. 04

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  5. 05

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  6. 06

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

  8. 08

    albatross around one's neck

    A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

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