Hold/keep/play your cards close to your chest

usgb
verb phrase

To keep your intentions, plans, or thoughts private and not share with others.

He's very strategic in his business dealings, always playing his cards close to his chest until the last minute.
Visual representation of "hold/keep/play your cards close to your chest" - To keep your intentions, plans, or thoughts private and not share with others.

Often appears as...

  • keep one's cards close to one's chest
  • play one's cards close to one's chest

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "hold/keep/play your cards close to your chest"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Secretive Strategy

Indicates keeping strategies or plans secret to gain advantage or avoid showing weaknesses.

Illustration for Secretive Strategy
Negotiating for a raise, she played her cards close to her chest, revealing little about her other job offers.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Cautious Sharing

Suggests being careful with what information you share to prevent giving others an advantage.

Illustration for Cautious Sharing
In the game of diplomacy, the ambassador held his cards close to his chest, not giving away his country's intentions.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Competitive Contexts

Commonly used in situations involving competition, like business, sports, or games.

Illustration for Competitive Contexts
The poker player kept his cards close to his chest, making it hard for opponents to guess his hand.
Visual representation of the word "Hold/keep/play your cards close to your chest"

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