Quick answer: “Keep your cards close to your chest” means to keep your plans, opinions, or information secret and not reveal them to others.
Keep your cards close to your chest — To keep your plans, opinions, or information secret and not reveal them to others.
Origin & History
This is a genuine card-game idiom. In games such as poker, players hold their cards close to their body so that opponents cannot see them and gain an advantage.
From this literal card-playing habit, the idiom was extended to describe general secrecy in negotiations, business, and personal matters, where revealing your “hand” too early could put you at a disadvantage.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| The CEO kept her cards close to her chest about the upcoming merger. | Business, secrecy |
| He always keeps his cards close to his chest during negotiations. | Negotiation |
| The coach kept his cards close to his chest about the team selection. | Sport, strategy |
| She's keeping her cards close to her chest regarding her future plans. | Personal plans |
| Politicians often keep their cards close to their chest before elections. | Politics |
How to Use It
This idiom is generally used to describe the situation directly, often following a form of the verb "to be" or paired with a verb of change such as "go" or "get." It works well in both spoken and written English, and is most effective when it clearly refers to a real, specific situation rather than being used vaguely.
Common Mistakes
Mistakes to Avoid
He kept his card close to his chest.
He kept his cards close to his chest. — always plural 'cards'.
She keeps her cards close to her heart.
She keeps her cards close to her chest. — the fixed word is 'chest', not 'heart'.
They keep their cards close to the chest.
They keep their cards close to their chest. — a possessive pronoun is needed, not 'the'.
Similar Idioms
Practise This Idiom
Practice English Idioms
Use these exercises to master idioms in context:
Want to understand the grammar behind this? Explore our Grammar guides.
Quick Check: Keep your cards close to your chest
2 questions — test what you just learned.
1. What does “Keep your cards close to your chest” mean?
2. Complete the sentence: “The CEO _____ about the upcoming merger.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Keep your cards close to your chest” mean?
“Keep your cards close to your chest” means To keep your plans, opinions, or information secret and not reveal them to others.
Where does the idiom “Keep your cards close to your chest” come from?
This is a genuine card-game idiom. In games such as poker, players hold their cards close to their body so that opponents cannot see them and gain an advantage.
Can you give an example of “Keep your cards close to your chest” in a sentence?
Here is an example: “The CEO kept her cards close to her chest about the upcoming merger.” — used in the context of business, secrecy.
Is “Keep your cards close to your chest” formal or informal?
This idiom is neutral. It is common in everyday speech, journalism, and semi-formal writing, though it is generally avoided in strict formal or academic writing.
What CEFR level is “Keep your cards close to your chest”?
This idiom is typically taught at B2 level. It is a common upper-intermediate expression that appears in conversation, journalism, and general writing, and learners at this level should understand and be able to use it actively.
What are common mistakes with “Keep your cards close to your chest”?
A common mistake is: He kept his card close to his chest. The correct form is: He kept his cards close to his chest. (always plural 'cards')
What idioms are similar to “Keep your cards close to your chest”?
Similar idioms include: Play your cards right, Keep a poker face, Keep something under wraps, Show your hand. These share a related meaning or usage context.
How do I practise idioms like “Keep your cards close to your chest”?
Use LexFizz's Flash Cards and Flip Tiles exercises. Try writing your own example sentences using the idiom in context, and listen for it in films, podcasts, and everyday conversation.
Can “Keep your cards close to your chest” be used in writing?
Yes. It works well in informal writing, emails, and journalism. In everyday and semi-formal writing it is a natural and clear choice.
Does “Keep your cards close to your chest” have the same meaning in British and American English?
Yes, “Keep your cards close to your chest” is understood in both British and American English with the same meaning: To keep your plans, opinions, or information secret and not reveal them to others. The idiom is widely recognised across all major varieties of English.