What does “Keep under wraps” mean?
"Keep under wraps" means to actively conceal or hide something from others.
What context can I use the in?
Example
They managed to keep under wraps their plans for the surprise party.
Example
The company is trying to keep under wraps the details of their new product.
Example
The celebrity couple tried to keep under wraps their relationship for as long as possible
Is “Keep under wraps” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Keep under wraps” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Keep under wraps” effectively in context?
You can use "Keep under wraps" to describe the act of keeping something a secret or hidden. It implies that the information or object is being carefully guarded and not revealed to others. For example, if someone asks about your upcoming vacation plans, you might say, 'I'm sorry, but I can't tell you yet. It's still "under wraps".'
- 1Surprises
They managed to keep under wraps their plans for the surprise party.
- 2Confidential Information
The company is trying to keep under wraps the details of their new product.
- 3Secret Relationship
The celebrity couple tried to keep under wraps their relationship for as long as possible.
Similar phrases to “Keep under wraps”:
Hush-hush
Kept secret or confidential
Example
The project is still hush-hush, and only a few people know about it.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Keep under wraps” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Keep under wraps" is unknown.
Is “Keep under wraps” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Keep under wraps" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe the act of keeping something secret or hidden.
What tone does “Keep under wraps” have?
"Keep under wraps" conveys a tone of secrecy and caution. It suggests that the information or object being kept hidden is valuable or sensitive.
Can “Keep under wraps” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Keep under wraps" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts to describe the act of keeping something secret or hidden. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as business meetings or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'They managed to keep their plans for the surprise party "under wraps".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Let's "keep it under wraps"' to imply keeping something a secret.