keep (something) under (one's) hat

(redirected from somebody keeps it under their hat)

keep (something) under (one's) hat

To not reveal or discuss something publicly. Keep this under your hat for now, but Greg is definitely the one getting the promotion.

keep something under one's hat

Fig. to keep something a secret; to keep something in one's mind (only). (If the secret stays under your hat, it stays in your mind. Note the use of but in the examples.) Keep this under your hat, but I'm getting married. I'm getting married, but keep it under your hat.

keep under one's hat

Preserve the secrecy of something, as in I'll tell you about it if you promise to keep it under your hat. This usage alludes to hiding a secret in one's head, covered by a hat. [Late 1800s]

keep something under your hat

INFORMAL

If you keep something under your hat, you do not tell anyone else about it. Very few people know, so keep it under your hat. Look, if I tell you something will you promise to keep it under your hat? Note: This was a slogan used to promote security in Britain during the Second World War.

keep something under your hat

keep something a secret.

ˌkeep something under your ˈhat

(informal) keep something secret: I’m going to apply for another job, but keep it under your hat for a while, will you? OPPOSITE: let the cat out of the bag

keep (something) under one's hat, to

To preserve secrecy. This term, with its vivid image of hiding a secret under headgear, dates from the late nineteenth century and has remained current even though hats are worn much less frequently today. A popular song of the 1920s had it: “Keep it under your hat! You must agree to do that. Promise not to breathe a word” (quoted by Eric Partridge). See also in the dark.