Phrase guide

keep it in the family

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To restrict knowledge or information to only the members of a family or another small, intimate group.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • Near-synonyms: keep one's own counsel, keep one's mouth shut, STFU; see also Thesaurus:be quiet

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: keep one's own counsel, keep one's mouth shut, STFU

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To remain loyal to one's family; to retain family ownership of a business for long period of time.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.