play it close to the vest
English Meaning & Definitions
To be very cautious, secretive, or guarded about one's intentions, plans, or resources.
- “The CEO is playing it close to the vest regarding the company's acquisition plans.”
- “If you want to win the negotiation, you should play it close to the vest and not reveal your bottom line too early.”
English Synonyms & Near Equivalents
English Antonyms & Opposites
Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown
Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “play it close to the vest”.
This idiom originates from 19th-century American poker. In card games, players hold their cards close to their chest or vest to prevent opponents from seeing what they are holding. By keeping one's cards concealed, a player maintains secrecy about their strategy or hand strength.
Picture a poker player holding their cards tightly against their vest so no one else can see them.
Frequently Asked Questions About “play it close to the vest”
1. What is the meaning of “play it close to the vest” in English?
In English, play it close to the vest (idiom) is defined as: “To be very cautious, secretive, or guarded about one's intentions, plans, or resources.”.
2. How do you use “play it close to the vest” in a sentence?
“The CEO is playing it close to the vest regarding the company's acquisition plans.”
3. What are English synonyms of “play it close to the vest”?
4. What is the etymology and word origin of “play it close to the vest”?
This idiom originates from 19th-century American poker. In card games, players hold their cards close to their chest or vest to prevent opponents from seeing what they are holding. By keeping one's cards concealed, a player maintains secrecy about their strategy or hand strength.
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