chest (redirected from play cards close to vest)

get something off one's chest

to unburden oneself; to confess something; to criticize or make a personal complaint to someone. You will feel better if you get it off your chest. I have to get this off my chest. I'm tired of your rudeness to me!

See also: get

play one's cards close to one's chest and play one's cards close to one's vest; keep one's cards close to one's chest; keep one's cards close to one's vest

Fig. to keep to oneself or be very cautious in one's dealing with people. (As if one were playing cards and not permitting anyone to see any of the cards.) He is very cautious. He plays his cards close to his chest. You seem to be playing your cards close to your vest.

See also: card, close, play

put hair on someone's chest

Fig. to do or take something to invigorate or energize someone, always a male, except in jest. Here, have a drink of this stuff! It'll put hair on your chest. That stuff is powerful. It will really put hair on your chest.

See also: hair, put

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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

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.

See also: get

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

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, put

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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.

See also: get