The idiom "hidden agenda" originated from the combination of the words "hidden" and "agenda." It refers to a concealed or secret plan, motive, or objective that someone possesses, typically in a situation where they claim to have different intentions or goals. The phrase implies that the individual has ulterior motives or hidden purposes beyond what they openly express, leading to suspicion or mistrust regarding their true intentions.

What is the origin of the idiom "hidden agenda" and when to use it?

hidden agenda

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The idiom "between you and me" originated from the notion of confidentiality and trust between two individuals. It implies a shared secret or information that is meant to be kept private and not shared with others. The phrase is used to emphasize the exclusivity of the communication, suggesting that the information is shared only between the speaker and the listener, creating a sense of intimacy or confidentiality.

What is the origin of the idiom "between you and me" and when to use it?

between you and me

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The idiom "breathe a word about something" originated from the idea that speaking requires the physical act of exhaling breath, and thus, uttering a word implies revealing or disclosing information. The phrase conveys the notion of keeping something secret or confidential by refraining from speaking or sharing information with others. It is primarily used to emphasize the importance of maintaining silence or discretion to prevent the disclosure of sensitive or private matters.

What is the origin of the idiom "breathe a word about something" and when to use it?

to [breathe|say] a word about {sth}

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The idiom "conspiracy of silence" originated from the notion of a group of people intentionally avoiding discussion or disclosure of a particular topic or issue. It suggests a collective agreement among individuals to remain silent, often due to fear, loyalty, or a shared interest in maintaining secrecy. The phrase is used to imply a deliberate effort to suppress information or avoid open communication about a matter that may be sensitive, controversial, or potentially damaging.

What is the origin of the idiom "conspiracy of silence" and when to use it?

conspiracy of silence

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The origin of the idiom "keep a lid on something" stems from the literal usage of lids on containers in the late 19th/early 20th century, as it was common practice to use tight-fitting lids to prevent contents from being spilled or seen. This simple act of securing a lid came to represent concealing what was inside in a metaphorical sense, and one of the earliest figurative usages referred to keeping secrets "under wraps" with a "tight lid," which then developed into newspaper uses by the 1900s employing the phrase such as "keeping a lid on the scandal" to denote suppressing details and maintaining secrecy about a covert matter. It is commonly invoked legally to suppress unflattering evidence or privately settled allegations.

What is the origin of the idiom "keep a lid on something" and when to use it?

to [keep] a lid on {sth}

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The idiom "keep one's cards close to one's chest" originated from the world of card games, particularly poker. It refers to a strategy where a player chooses to keep their playing cards hidden, close to their body, rather than revealing them to opponents. Metaphorically, the phrase signifies the act of being secretive, cautious, or reserved about one's intentions, plans, or information. It suggests that a person is not openly sharing their thoughts or revealing their true position, keeping their options and strategies concealed to maintain an advantage or avoid giving away too much information.

What is the origin of the idiom "keep one's cards close to one's chest" and when to use it?

to [keep|play|hold] {one's} cards close to {one's} (chest|vest)

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The idiom "keep something under one's hat" has its origins in the imagery of concealing information beneath one's hat to prevent others from seeing or knowing about it. The phrase emerged in the late 19th century and is associated with the practice of secretiveness or discretion. The expression is now used to suggest the idea of holding onto a piece of information privately, similar to hiding it beneath one's hat, and has since become a colloquial way to advise someone to keep a secret or to discreetly manage information.

What is the origin of the idiom "keep something under one's hat" and when to use it?

to [keep] {sth} under {one's} hat

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The idiom "keep schtum" is a British slang phrase that means to remain silent or not speak about something. Its origins are uncertain, but it is thought to have originated in the Romani language, where the word "schtum" means "silent". The phrase became popular in British English in the early 20th century and is still in common use today to indicate silence or the act of not speaking about something. It is often used in informal contexts, emphasizing the intention to remain quiet and avoid disclosing information.

What is the origin of the idiom "keep schtum" and when to use it?

to [keep|stay] schtum

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The idiom "mum is the word" originated from the Middle English word "mum," which meant to keep silent or be quiet. The phrase signifies the act of maintaining secrecy or confidentiality, often in situations where it is important not to reveal sensitive information or to keep a secret. The idiom suggests that one should remain silent and refrain from speaking about a particular matter. It implies the need for discretion and emphasizes the importance of keeping one's lips sealed.

What is the origin of the idiom "mum is the word" and when to use it?

mum is the word

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The idiom "one's lips are sealed" originated from the practice of physically sealing or closing one's lips to ensure silence. The phrase signifies a commitment to keeping information confidential or maintaining secrecy. It implies that the person will not disclose or reveal any sensitive or confidential information, often in response to a request or when entrusted with a secret. This idiom emphasizes a strong determination to remain silent and not divulge any information, reinforcing the idea of maintaining confidentiality or privacy.

What is the origin of the idiom "one's lips are sealed" and when to use it?

{one's} lips [are] sealed

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The idiom "skeleton in the closet" originated from the literal practice of hiding a deceased person's remains in a closet during times when proper burial or disposal was not possible or socially acceptable. Over time, the phrase evolved to figuratively represent a hidden or shameful secret or embarrassing truth that someone wishes to keep concealed from others. The expression is used to imply that the secret or unpleasant truth is kept hidden away, similar to how a skeleton would be concealed in a closet, and suggests that its revelation could lead to embarrassment, judgment, or negative consequences.

What is the origin of the idiom "skeleton in the closet" and when to use it?

skeleton in the closet

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The idiom "these four walls" originated from the physical boundaries or confines of a room or space. It represents the idea of privacy, confidentiality, or keeping information within a specific location or group. The phrase is used to suggest that whatever is discussed, experienced, or shared within the boundaries of these four walls should remain contained and not be disclosed or repeated to others outside of the immediate context.

What is the origin of the idiom "these four walls" and when to use it?

these four walls

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The idiom "tell tales out of school" originated from the practice of children sharing information or stories outside the school environment. It refers to the act of revealing or spreading gossip, secrets, or sensitive information that should remain within the confines of a specific group or context. The phrase is used to emphasize the idea of breaching trust or violating a code of confidentiality by divulging details or stories that were meant to be kept private within a particular community, such as a school or close-knit group.

What is the origin of the idiom "tell tales out of school" and when to use it?

to [tell] tales (out of|outside) school

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The idiom "keep one's own counsel" originated from the idea of maintaining silence or discretion regarding one's thoughts, opinions, or plans. It suggests that an individual should refrain from sharing personal information or seeking advice from others and instead rely on their own judgment or inner wisdom. This expression is often used to emphasize the importance of maintaining independence, self-reliance, and confidentiality in decision-making or handling sensitive matters.

What is the origin of the idiom "keep one's own counse" and when to use it?

to [keep] {one's} own counsel

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The idiom "keep something dark" originated from the notion of keeping something hidden or secret, particularly from public knowledge or awareness. The phrase suggests intentionally concealing information, actions, or events to prevent them from being exposed or revealed. It emphasizes the need for discretion, privacy, or confidentiality in order to avoid scrutiny, judgment, or negative consequences associated with the information being kept hidden.

What is the origin of the idiom "keep something dark" and when to use it?

to [keep] {sth} dark

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The idiom "close as an oyster" originated from Shakespeare's play "The Merry Wives of Windsor" and refers to someone who is uncommunicative, secretive, or reluctant to share information. In the play, the character Pistol says, "Why, then the world's mine oyster, which I with sword will open." The metaphor compares the closed and secretive nature of an oyster's shell to a person who is tight-lipped or unresponsive. Over time, the idiom evolved to describe someone who is unresponsive or lacking in intelligence.

What is the origin of the idiom "close as an oyster" and when to use it?

(as|) (close|dumb) as an oyster

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The idiom "cover one's tracks" originated from the practice of hiding or obscuring one's footprints or traces to avoid detection or being followed. It metaphorically refers to taking actions to conceal evidence or any signs that may lead to one's identity, actions, or intentions. The phrase is primarily used to emphasize the act of removing or erasing any incriminating or revealing marks or clues to maintain secrecy or evade responsibility.

What is the origin of the idiom "cover one's tracks" and when to use it?

to [cover] {one's} tracks

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The idiom "paper over the cracks" originated from the practice of using paper or other materials to temporarily cover or hide imperfections or damages on a wall or surface. Metaphorically, the phrase signifies the act of attempting to conceal or downplay problems, disagreements, or weaknesses in a situation or relationship without addressing the underlying issues. In other words, it is mostly used to imply a superficial or temporary solution that does not fully resolve the problems at hand.

What is the origin of the idiom "paper over the cracks" and when to use it?

to [paper] over the cracks

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The idiom "keep something under wraps" originated from the practice of wrapping or covering objects to keep them concealed or protected. Figuratively, the phrase signifies the act of keeping something secret, confidential, or hidden from public knowledge or awareness. It is used to imply a deliberate effort to maintain privacy or prevent information from being disclosed or leaked.

What is the origin of the idiom "keep something under wraps" and when to use it?

to [keep] {sth} under wraps

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The idiom "trade secret" originated from the business world, where it referred to confidential information that a company keeps hidden from competitors to maintain a competitive advantage. These secrets could include formulas, processes, or methods that are crucial to the success of a business. Over time, the phrase expanded beyond business contexts to refer to any piece of personal or private information someone is unwilling to share, regardless of its professional relevance.

What is the origin of the idiom "trade secret" and when to use it?

trade secret

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Master English idioms that relate to keeping secrets, like "between you and me" and "keep a lid on".

English Idioms for "Keeping Secrets"