play cards close to chest

Related to play cards close to chest: keep cards close to chest

play (one's) cards close to (one's) chest

To keep one's plans, intentions, or tactics secret from other people. Refers to holding one's playing cards close to one's chest in a card game, so as not to allow other players to see one's hand. We're all curious about what the boss has been discussing in those meetings with the lawyers, but she's playing her cards close to her chest. Sorry for not being more straightforward about my plans, but I'm playing my cards close to my chest for the time being.

play one's cards close to one's chest

and play one's cards close to one's vest; keep one's cards close to one's chest; keep one's cards close to one's vest

Fig. to keep to oneself or be very cautious in one's dealing with people. (As if one were playing cards and not permitting anyone to see any of the cards.) He is very cautious. He plays his cards close to his chest. You seem to be playing your cards close to your vest.

play one's cards close to one's chest, to

To be secretive. The analogy to holding one’s hand so that no one can see what cards are in it has been used since the mid-twentieth century. Agatha Christie had it in The Pale Horse (1961): “I couldn’t afford to give hints. You have to play these things close to your chest.”

词组	play cards close to chest
释义	play cards close to chest Related to play cards close to chest: keep cards close to chest play (one's) cards close to (one's) chest To keep one's plans, intentions, or tactics secret from other people. Refers to holding one's playing cards close to one's chest in a card game, so as not to allow other players to see one's hand. We're all curious about what the boss has been discussing in those meetings with the lawyers, but she's playing her cards close to her chest. Sorry for not being more straightforward about my plans, but I'm playing my cards close to my chest for the time being. See also: card, chest, close, play Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. play one's cards close to one's chest and play one's cards close to one's vest; keep one's cards close to one's chest; keep one's cards close to one's vest Fig. to keep to oneself or be very cautious in one's dealing with people. (As if one were playing cards and not permitting anyone to see any of the cards.) He is very cautious. He plays his cards close to his chest. You seem to be playing your cards close to your vest. See also: card, chest, close, play McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. play one's cards close to one's chest, to To be secretive. The analogy to holding one’s hand so that no one can see what cards are in it has been used since the mid-twentieth century. Agatha Christie had it in The Pale Horse (1961): “I couldn’t afford to give hints. You have to play these things close to your chest.” See also: card, close, play The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer See also: (from) top to toe be on (one's) pat at (one's) doorstep at doorstep at expense at somebody's expense at someone's expense at (one's) expense be in (one's) good graces be in somebody's good graces
随便看	have a thing about (someone or something) have a thing for (someone) have a thing for (something) have a thing going have a thing going (with someone) have a thin skin have a thin time have a thin time (of it) have a thirst for have a thirst for (something) have a tiger by the tail have a tight grip on (someone or something) have a tight rein on (someone or something) have a time of it have a tin ear Have at it have a touch of class have a touch of the tar brush have a tough time (of it) have a trick up (one's) sleeve have at (someone or something) have (a) use for (someone or something) have a vested interest have a vested interest (in something) have a voice (in something)