Idioms

keep something to yourself

keep (something) to (oneself)

To not reveal or share some thought, idea, opinion, or piece of information with anyone else. I think it's best that we keep this to ourselves until we can determine what impact it will have. I don't want your advice, so if you have any suggestions, just keep them to yourself!

See also: keep, to

keep to (oneself)

1. To refrain from attempting to communicate or make connections with others. If you want to make friends, you can't keep to yourself all the time. Start meeting people! The old man down the street always keeps to himself. I just realized I don't even know his name.

2. To not reveal or share some thought, idea, opinion, or piece of information with anyone else. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "keep" and "to." Please tell them to keep the news to themselves for the time being. We're not ready to announce anything publicly yet. You really shouldn't keep your feelings to yourself like that.

See also: keep, to

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

ˌkeep something to yourˈself

not tell other people about something: I don’t want John to know about this, so keep it to yourself. OPPOSITE: spread the word

See also: keep, something, to

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

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References in periodicals archive

She said: "We're just very private, you know if you want to keep something to yourself I think it's possible." Lottie won't be pressed on her childhood sweetheart Fabio who works in the food business with his family.

I'm proud of my dad & if I have an ounce of his capability in me then I'd feel blessed; LOTTIE ON FOLLOWING IN GERRY'S FOOTSTEPS; Rising 2fm star Ryan talks about life growing up in the spotlight; EXCLUSIVE

"When you keep something to yourself for such a long time you obviously have absolutely no idea how people will react."

CHARLOTTE: I'VE FOUND HARMONY WITH MY NEW MAN; Johnny's turned me on to so much music, says star

You are in the mood to keep something to yourself and in doing so there are those who will try to prise the details out of you and that will get on your nerves!

Your Stars; DAVID WELLS OF TV'S MOST HAUNTED PREDICTS YOUR WEEK AHEAD

You have to be judge and jury on this one, simply because you are being asked to keep something to yourself and for once you agree.

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