English

Verb

keep one's cards close to one's chest

1. (idiomatic) To avoid revealing one's thoughts, circumstances, or plans.
   • 1997, Sabine Rewald, "Balthus's Magic Mountain," The Burlington Magazine, vol. 139, no. 1134, p. 626:

     Balthus has always kept his cards close to his chest. When I asked him if Summertime was a transcription of Poussin's Echo and Narcissus—a variant of his lost copy—he did not reply.

   • 2002, Anil Netto, "Malaysia: Year of surprises and hardships," Asia Times, 25 Dec. (retrieved 25 Oct. 2008):

     Abdullah has not yet revealed his choice for the No 2 post when he takes over as prime minister, preferring to keep his cards close to his chest.