Play one's cards close to one's chest meaning

To play one's cards close to one's chest means to keep one's intentions or plans secret and not reveal them to others.


Play one's cards close to one's chest definitions

Word backwards yalp s'eno sdrac esolc ot s'eno tsehc
Part of speech It is an idiomatic expression and a verb phrase.
Syllabic division play / one's / cards / close / to / one's / chest
Plural The plural of the phrase "play one's cards close to one's chest" is "play one's cards close to their chests".
Total letters 29
Vogais (3) a,o,e
Consonants (10) p,l,y,n,s,c,r,d,t,h

When it comes to navigating social interactions or strategic situations, the phrase "play one's cards close to one's chest" comes to mind. This idiom refers to the act of keeping one's plans, intentions, or information secret, revealing only what is necessary at the right time. It's a metaphorical way of describing a cautious approach to sharing knowledge or intentions with others.

The Origins of the Phrase

The origin of the phrase "play one's cards close to one's chest" can be traced back to card games, where players hold their cards close to their chest to prevent others from seeing what they have. By keeping their cards hidden, players maintain an element of surprise and strategic advantage, increasing their chances of winning the game.

Strategic Advantage in Communication

Translating this concept into everyday life, playing one's cards close to one's chest can be a valuable strategy in various situations. Whether in business negotiations, personal relationships, or competitive environments, being discerning about what information to reveal and what to withhold can provide a strategic advantage.

The Power of Strategic Restraint

By practicing discretion and strategic restraint, individuals can protect their interests, avoid potential pitfalls, and maintain control over the narrative. This approach allows them to observe, analyze, and make calculated decisions without revealing their hand prematurely.

However, it's essential to strike a balance when playing one's cards close to one's chest. Being too secretive or withholding crucial information can breed mistrust and hinder effective communication. It's important to use this strategy judiciously, considering the context and the potential impact on relationships and outcomes.

Strategic thinking and discernment are key components of successfully employing the tactic of playing one's cards close to one's chest. By understanding when to reveal and when to withhold information, individuals can navigate complex situations with finesse and precision.


Play one's cards close to one's chest Examples

  1. During negotiations, she always plays her cards close to her chest.
  2. He is known for playing his cards close to his chest when it comes to his business strategies.
  3. To avoid revealing her strategy, she prefers to play her cards close to her chest.
  4. The detective played his cards close to his chest during the interrogation to catch the suspect off guard.
  5. She tends to play her cards close to her chest in poker games to keep her opponents guessing.
  6. He plays his cards close to his chest in order to maintain a competitive edge in the market.
  7. The politician is known for playing his cards close to his chest during election campaigns.
  8. To protect her personal life, she plays her cards close to her chest around strangers.
  9. During the project presentation, he played his cards close to his chest to surprise his team with a new approach.
  10. She plays her cards close to her chest in relationships to avoid getting hurt.


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  • Updated 19/05/2024 - 17:03:03