keep your own counsel

keep (one's) own counsel

To not share one's thoughts or plans with others. I'm just naturally a private person, so I keep my own counsel.
See also: counsel, keep, own
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

keep your own ˈcounsel

(formal) keep your thoughts, plans, etc. secret: Try to keep your own counsel when you’re with him, or he’ll tell everyone what you say.
See also: counsel, keep, own
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • keep (one's) own counsel
  • keep one's own counsel
  • keep own counsel
  • keep faith with
  • keep faith with (someone or something)
  • keep (something) by
  • keep by
  • counsel (someone) about (something)
  • counsel about
  • earn its keep
References in classic literature
But keep your own counsel, and there are none here to betray us.
Pioneers
"You mean to keep your own counsel, then?" she asked.
The Malefactor
Return to me to-morrow, and keep your own counsel on this subject--though I need hardly tell you that; for you'll do so for your own sakes.
The Old Curiosity Shop
In the meanwhile I must beg you to keep your own counsel, and I will keep mine."
Bleak House
Tell her a part only, and keep your own counsel about the rest.
Odyssey
If you would rather keep things on the low-down, maybe you could keep your own counsel. Once out, megaphones let everyone know.
stars
Be sure to keep your own counsel, or if you must go further afield keep it to some close confidantes rather than opening it out to all and sundry.
David Wells
Keep your own counsel and let your daughter bring up her baby her way.
Dr Miriam: Is baby too cold for comfort?
c) Listen to the scuttlebutt but keep your own counsel?
Are you up to the job; Find if you're a mover or a dud
You don't read the papers, don't socialise with players and keep your own counsel."
Ferguson: `I'm looking forward to getting back to normal'
For more call 09058 171 462 Gemini May 22 - June 20 BE sure to keep your own counsel. If you must share, keep it to some close confidantes, rather than opening it out to all and sundry.
With David Wells
And this cautions you to keep your own counsel and focus on your personal situation.
Your stars
You may be better to keep your own counsel AND keep your head beneath the parapet.
Your Stars