tip one's hand
tip (one's) hand
To reveal one's intentions, plans, secrets, or resources. An allusion to letting someone else see the cards one is currently holding (one's "hand"). The foreign leader has definitely tipped his hand when it comes to his country's position in the negotiations. Remember not to tip your hand when you go into the meeting.
See also: hand, tip
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
tip one's hand
Accidentally reveal one's intentions, as in He avoided any comments on birthdays for fear of tipping his hand about the surprise party . This idiom probably alludes to holding one's hand in such a way that others can see the cards one is holding. [Colloquial; early 1900s]
See also: hand, tip
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- beat (one) to the draw
- Earth to (someone)
- earth to someone
- baton
- hand on the baton
- give (one) (one's) marching orders
- give somebody their marching orders
- give someone their marching orders
- game is not worth the candle, the
- get in/into one's hair, to