World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English Dictionariesguardar sus cartas
Pronunciation / Transliteration: gwar-dar sus kar-tas
"Prefiere guardar sus cartas hasta el último momento."
Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
To keep one's intentions, plans, or resources secret from others.
"During the merger negotiations, the CEO decided to play his cards close to his vest." - 2
To be extremely cautious and discreet in order to avoid revealing a competitive advantage.
"She played her cards close to her vest until she was certain of the market conditions."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Originating in the United States in the late 19th century, this idiom is derived from card games like poker, where players hold their playing cards physically close to their chests or vests to prevent opponents from seeing their hands. Over time, it evolved metaphorically to describe any situation where someone conceals their plans, intentions, or resources from others.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Play your cards close to your vest"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Play your cards close to your vest" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
garder ses cartes en main
Transliteration: garda say kart ah man
"Il préfère garder ses cartes en main avant de prendre une décision."
sich in Acht nehmen
Transliteration: zikh in akht ney-men
"In den Verhandlungen muss man sich bedeckt halten."
non scoprire le proprie carte
Transliteration: non skop-ree-re le propre-ye kar-te
"È meglio non scoprire le proprie carte troppo presto."
guardar sus cartas
Transliteration: gwar-dar sus kar-tas
"Prefiere guardar sus cartas hasta el último momento."
não abrir o jogo
Transliteration: now ah-breer oo zho-goo
"Ele prefere não abrir o jogo sobre seus planos futuros."
अपने पत्ते छुपाकर रखना
Transliteration: apne patte chhupakar rakhna
"व्यापार में सफलता के लिए अपने पत्ते छुपाकर रखना जरूरी है।"
严守秘密
Transliteration: yán shǒu mìmì
"在谈判期间，他总是把底牌捂得很严。"
패를 숨기다
Transliteration: paereul sumgida
"그는 협상에서 자신의 패를 숨기기로 결심했다."
腹を見せない
Transliteration: hara o misenai
"彼は交渉の間、自分の腹を見せないようにした。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all Spanish termsA visitor or attendee whose arrival was not anticipated or announced beforehand.
Causing strong emotional or ideological reactions because it relates to political issues, power dynamics, or government policies.
Deliverance from harm, ruin, or loss; the state of being saved.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Play your cards close to your vest"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
How Many Chapters Are in 'The Book Thief'?
Markus Zusak’s *The Book Thief* contains 80 main chapters divided across 10 main parts, framed by a Prologue and an Epilogue. Counting the sub-sections in the prologue and epilogue, the novel comprises 88 total titled sections.