Keep one's cards close to one's chest
Meaning
To be secretive about one's plans, intentions, or true feelings, revealing very little to others.
Origin
In the smoky, tense atmosphere of 19th-century poker rooms, a skilled player knew the importance of concealment. To reveal even a sliver of their hand was to give away their strategy, so they literally held their dealt cards pressed tightly against their chest, guarding their secrets from prying eyes. This vivid image of protecting one's hand—and thus, one's advantage—transcended the card table, becoming a universal metaphor for maintaining secrecy and discretion in any high-stakes situation.
Examples
- The CEO kept his cards close to his chest during the negotiations, giving no hints about the company's next move.
- She learned to keep her cards close to her chest in her competitive industry, never revealing her strategies until the last moment.