in petto

in petto

1. In private. This Italian phrase translates literally to "in the breast" in English. A: "Why did you want me to meet you in the basement?" B: "Because I have something important to tell you—in petto."
2. An Italian phrase used to describe the private appointment of cardinals by the pope. He was appointed by the pope in petto, which is why none of us knew about it.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • je ne sais quoi
  • Ne
  • (as) sure as eggs (is eggs)
  • a penny for them
  • be twiddling (one's) thumbs
  • be twiddling your thumbs
  • 57
  • and the rest
  • and how
  • and how!
References in periodicals archive
What some disparagingly refer to as a "bandage" approach can become, in Petto's view, the framework for a well-designed production process.
Permanent molding casts for larger market