Keep it under your hat

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Meaning

To keep something secret, tucked away.

Origin

From 19th-century Britain, tied to hats; personal spots for secrets, slang by 1880s for mum. An 1885 'Pall Mall Gazette' uses it for a hushed tip.

Variants

  • Keep under hat

Usage Examples

  • It's a surprise; keep it under your hat!
  • He kept the news under his hat till Monday.
  • Keep it under your hat; don't spill yet.

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