Secret

conspiracy of silence

Meaning: general agreement to keep silent about a subject for the sake of secrecy.

Example: Healthcare professionals create a conspiracy of silence due to the fear of legal proceedings, corrective action, or punishment.  Read on

have designs on

Meaning: to have a plan or secret desire to get something.

Example: to have a plan or secret desire to get something. Read on

keep one’s own counsel

Meaning: say little or nothing about one's opinions or intentions.

Example: I doubted what he said, but I kept my own counsel. Read on

make a clean breast

Meaning: to tell the truth about something.

Example: Sharon made a clean breast of it and threw Ashley under the bus. Read on

cover one’s tracks

Meaning: to keep one's location, activities, and intentions hidden.

Example: The burglars were very meticulous in covering their tracks, making it difficult for law enforcement to catch them. Read on

between you and me

Meaning: a secret to be kept between two people

Example: Let me tell you something. Just between you and me, I don't think her painting deserves the first prize. Read on

keep card close to chest

Meaning: be secretive or cautious, give nothing away

Example: The children did not know where they were to go for their family holiday trip. Their dad kept his cards close to his chest. Read on

sweep under the rug

Meaning: try to hide a problem or keep a problem secret instead of dealing with it

Example: My father has helped me deal with things instead of sweeping them under the rug. Read on

big mouth

Meaning: someone who talks too much

Example: Your big mouth always gets you in trouble at school, Steven! Read on

black book

Meaning: a book containing a list of secret contacts

Example: Ann will not invite Bob to the party because he has been in her black books for so long. Read on

Next Idioms ❯