To keep one's cards close to one's chest
Meaning
To deliberately conceal one's plans, intentions, or information from others.
Origin
This phrase comes straight from the intense world of card games, most notably poker, where the strategic concealment of your hand is paramount. Imagine a high-stakes table: players literally hold their dealt cards tightly against their chest or close to their body, shielding them from the prying eyes of opponents. A single glimpse of a crucial card could reveal an opponent's advantage, completely changing the game's outcome. This physical act of guarding your hand quickly became a metaphor for guarding your intentions, strategies, or secrets in any situation, extending beyond the green felt of the poker table into the broader game of life.
Examples
- The CEO decided to keep her cards close to her chest until the final merger details were officially announced.
- During the negotiation, he kept his cards close to his chest, refusing to reveal his true bottom line.