keep (one's) own counsel
(redirected from keep our own counsel)keep (one's) own counsel
To not share one's thoughts or plans with others. I'm just naturally a private person, so I keep my own counsel.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
keep one's own counsel
Fig. to keep one's thoughts and plans to oneself; to withhold from other people one's thoughts and plans. Jane is very quiet. She tends to keep her own counsel. I advise you to keep your own counsel.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
keep one's own counsel
Say little or nothing about one's opinions or intentions. For example, Betty is notorious for keeping her own counsel; you never know what she really thinks. This expression employs counsel in the sense of "a secret," a usage dating from about 1300.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
keep your own ˈcounsel
(formal) keep your thoughts, plans, etc. secret: Try to keep your own counsel when you’re with him, or he’ll tell everyone what you say.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017