Phrase guide

keep one's own counsel

verb · 1 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

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To keep one's own business private; to be discreet, careful, or circumspect in what one says concerning one's own thoughts, deeds, or situation.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Near-synonyms: keep one's cards close to one's chest, keep it in the family, keep one's mouth shut; see also Thesaurus:be quiet

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: keep counsel, keep one's counsel, keep one's cards close to one's chest, keep it in the family, keep one's mouth shut

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.