Secret Idioms

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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 more ➺


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 more ➺


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 more ➺


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 more ➺


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 more ➺


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 more ➺


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 more ➺


big mouth

Meaning: someone who talks too much

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


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 more ➺


skeleton in the closet

Meaning: a secret of an embarrassing, guilty or shameful nature that you don't want to disclose

Example: I have come to know that Eric has a skeleton in his cupboard. Read more ➺


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