vest

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, chest, close, play

vest someone with something

to grant power, rights, or ownership to someone. Who vested you with the power to order me around? The dictator vested himself with the power to imprison almost anyone.

vest something in someone or something

to grant sole power or control over something to someone or some group. The king vested all the military power in his own hands. The constitution vests the power to tax in the legislature.