Keep your own counsel
phrase
To choose not to share one's thoughts or plans with others.
He never asked anyone for advice, preferring to keep his own counsel.
Often appears as...
- prefer to keep your own counsel
- decide to keep your own counsel
Usage tips
Formal
Idiomatic
phrase
To choose not to share one's thoughts or plans with others.
He never asked anyone for advice, preferring to keep his own counsel.
Often appears as...
- prefer to keep your own counsel
- decide to keep your own counsel
Usage tips
Formal
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Confidentiality
Use the phrase when implying that someone is keeping information private due to its sensitive nature.
Despite the curiosity, she decided to keep her own counsel on the matter.
Pro Tip 2/3Self-reliance
It emphasizes the ability to rely on oneself for decisions without seeking external input.
He confidently handled the negotiations, opting to keep his own counsel.
Pro Tip 3/3Perception of Wisdom
The phrase can suggest wisdom or thoughtfulness, as it implies careful consideration before speaking or acting.
The wise elder would keep her own counsel and speak only when necessary.
Pro Tip 1/3Confidentiality
Use the phrase when implying that someone is keeping information private due to its sensitive nature.
Despite the curiosity, she decided to keep her own counsel on the matter.
Pro Tip 2/3Self-reliance
It emphasizes the ability to rely on oneself for decisions without seeking external input.
He confidently handled the negotiations, opting to keep his own counsel.
Pro Tip 3/3Perception of Wisdom
The phrase can suggest wisdom or thoughtfulness, as it implies careful consideration before speaking or acting.
The wise elder would keep her own counsel and speak only when necessary.
Pro Tip 1/3Confidentiality
Use the phrase when implying that someone is keeping information private due to its sensitive nature.
Despite the curiosity, she decided to keep her own counsel on the matter.
Pro Tip 2/3Self-reliance
It emphasizes the ability to rely on oneself for decisions without seeking external input.
He confidently handled the negotiations, opting to keep his own counsel.
Pro Tip 3/3Perception of Wisdom
The phrase can suggest wisdom or thoughtfulness, as it implies careful consideration before speaking or acting.
The wise elder would keep her own counsel and speak only when necessary.
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