chest (redirected from play cards close to chest)

get it off your chest

to tell someone about something that has been worrying you or making you feel guilty for a long time, in order to make you feel better. It was something that had been bothering me for some time and it felt good to get it off my chest.

a hope chest (American)

the things a young woman collects to use in her home after she is married. Gloria spent the next few months embroidering sheets for her hope chest.

See also: hope

keep/play your cards close to your chest

to not tell anyone what you plan to do. I never know what Martin's next move will be. He plays his cards close to his chest.

See also: card, close, keep, play

put hair(s) on your chest (humorous)

if you say that food or drink will put hair on someone's chest, you mean that the food will make them strong and healthy or that the drink is very alcoholic. Here, have a swig of this. That should put hair on your chest!

See also: hair

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get something off your chest

to tell someone about something that has been worrying you. I sometimes discuss my problems with someone else just to get them off my chest.