Meaning: This idiom is used to describe the act of being secretive or cautious about revealing one’s thoughts, plans, or intentions, especially in situations where revealing too much information could be disadvantageous or risky. It implies a strategy of maintaining confidentiality or withholding information in order to maintain an advantage or avoid potential pitfalls.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “He’s always keeping his cards close to his chest, making it difficult to know what he’s really thinking.”
- “In negotiations, it’s important to keep your cards close to your chest until you know the other party’s position.”
- “She’s not one to share her plans openly; she prefers to keep her cards close to her chest until she’s ready to reveal them.”
Origin: The origin of the idiom “keeping your cards close to your chest” is derived from the game of poker, where players hold their cards close to their chest (or body) to prevent others from seeing their hand and gaining an advantage. By keeping their cards concealed, players maintain a strategic advantage and increase the likelihood of success in the game. Over time, the phrase evolved into a metaphorical expression used to describe the act of maintaining secrecy or discretion in various situations beyond the context of card games.
