Keep something under your hat

usgb
phrase

To keep a secret and not tell anyone about it.

I'm planning a surprise party for her birthday, but keep it under your hat.
Visual representation of "keep something under your hat" - To keep a secret and not tell anyone about it

Often appears as...

  • keep it under your hat
  • keep that under your hat

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "keep something under your hat"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Confidentiality

Use when implying the information is confidential and shouldn't be shared.

Illustration for Confidentiality
I got the job, but keep it under your hat until it's official.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Trustworthiness

It suggests trust in the person you're telling, showing confidence that they won't reveal the secret.

Illustration for Trustworthiness
I'm relying on you to keep this under your hat.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Idiomatic Flavor

It adds a playful or idiomatic flavor to conversations, compared to simply saying 'don't tell anyone'.

Illustration for Idiomatic Flavor
I might be moving soon, but that's to keep under your hat for now.
Visual representation of the word "Keep something under your hat"

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