keep one's cards close to one's chest

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.87 in modern English

Syllables: keep- one's -card-s -close -to one's ch-est
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Meaning

verb

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

verb

To hold one's hand close to one's chest so that other players cannot see the cards.

Example Sentences

"Balthus has always kept his cards close to his chest. When I asked him if Summertime was a transcription of Poussin's Echo and Narcissus—a variant of his lost copy—he did not reply."
"Abdullah has not yet revealed his choice for the No 2 post when he takes over as prime minister, preferring to keep his cards close to his chest."
"However, the operator is keeping its cards close to its chest."

Etymology

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

Inflected Forms

keeps one's cards close to one's chest (present, singular) keeping one's cards close to one's chest (participle, present) kept one's cards close to one's chest (participle, past) kept one's cards close to one's chest (past)

Phrases

hide the ball

Frequently Paired Words

hide the ball

Synonyms

keep one's counsel chest one's cards hold one's cards close to one's chest play one's cards close to one's chest keep one's cards close to one's vest hold one's cards close to one's vest play one's cards close to one's vest