What does the idiom keep it under your hat mean?

Definition of keep (something) under one's hat

: to keep (something) secret : to not tell anyone about (something) I'll tell you what happened, but you have to keep it under your hat.

Where does the expression keep it under your hat come from?

In the mid-1800s the term was used in Britain as an admonishment to keep something in your head, to leave something in your imagination and not bring it to fruition. The oldest example of this use of the phrase is in The History of Pendennis by William Makepeace Thackeray, published in 1848.

What does keep your hat on mean?

An expression warning someone of a big surprise. For example, Hang on to your hat, we're about to go public, or Hold your hat—we just won the lottery. This expression may allude, according to lexicographer Eric Partridge, to a wild ride on a rollercoaster. [ Colloquial; first half of 1900s]

What does the expression in your hat mean?

phrase. If you tell someone to keep a piece of information under their hat, you are asking them not to tell anyone else about it.

What does keep your head mean idiom?

Definition of keep one's head

: to remain calm She has shown that she can keep her head in a crisis.

keep it under your hat ( idioms )

What does the idiom keep your head above the water mean?

: to avoid financial failure while having money problems We have so much debt that we're barely able to keep our heads above water.

What does putting the horse before the cart mean?

: to do things in the wrong order People are putting the cart before the horse by making plans on how to spend the money before we are even certain that the money will be available.

What is the meaning of the idiom go through fire and water?

UK old-fashioned. to experience many difficulties or dangers in order to achieve something. Experiencing difficulties.

What does keep it under wraps mean?

Definition of under wraps

informal. : known to only a few people : secret The name of the movie is being kept under wraps.

What are examples of idioms?

What means keep your shirt on?

Definition of keep your shirt on

informal. —used to tell someone to calm down or be more patient "Aren't you ready yet?" "Keep your shirt on! I'll be ready in a minute."

What means keep mum?

Definition of keep/stay mum

informal. : to not tell anyone (about something) She told him to keep/stay mum about the project.

How tight is your belt meaning?

to spend less money than you did before because you have less money: I've had to tighten my belt since I stopped working full-time.

What is the meaning of Save your breath?

Refrain from arguing about a lost cause, as in You can save your breath; I'm not going to change my mind. This term was also put as save your breath to cool your porridge (or broth), that is, by not blowing on the too hot liquid.

What does spilling the beans mean?

Disclose a secret or reveal something prematurely, as in You can count on little Carol to spill the beans about the surprise. In this colloquial expression, first recorded in 1919, spill means “divulge,” a usage dating from the 1500s.

What is the meaning of a little hot under the collar?

Angry, as in She is quick to get hot under the collar, but once the problem is ironed out she forgets it entirely. This expression alludes to the heat of anger. [

What does pulling a few strings mean?

Definition of pull the strings

: to control someone or something often in a secret way It turned out that his brother was the person pulling the strings behind the operation.

What does living cheek by jowl mean?

phrase. DEFINITIONS1. if two or more people or things are cheek by jowl, they are very close to each other. Synonyms and related words. Next to, near to and not far away.

What does having a cold shoulder mean?

Definition of the cold shoulder

: cold and unfriendly treatment from a person known to one He got the cold shoulder from his former boss when he saw him at a restaurant.

What does going to rack and ruin mean?

Definition of go to rack and ruin

: to become destroyed or ruined The old house has gone to rack and ruin.

What does strike when the iron is hot mean?

Definition of strike while the iron is hot

: to do something immediately while there is still a good chance to do it.

What is the meaning of can't hold a candle to?

If someone or something is just not as good enough when compared to another, it is said that it can't hold a candle to the far superior, much better version.

What does taking the bull by the horns mean?

: to deal with a difficult situation in a very direct or confident way She decided to take the bull by the horns and try to solve the problem without any further delay.

What is the meaning keep the wolf from the door?

Definition of keep the wolf from the door

: to have or earn enough money to afford things (such as food and clothing) that is needed to live They make just enough to keep the wolf from the door.

What does burying your head in the sand mean?

Also, bury one's head in the sand. Refuse to face something by pretending not to see it. For example, For years we have been hiding our heads in the sand, refusing to admit that the store is losing money, or When it comes to a family quarrel, Dean just buries his head in the sand.