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keep a secret

/kiːp ə ˈsiːkrɪt/
phrase★Intermediate— to not reveal confidential information
informal

To maintain confidentiality about something you know

Doctors must keep a secret about their patients' medical conditions.

Medical professionals are required to maintain patient confidentiality.

💡

This phrase emphasizes trust and discretion in relationships.

Collocations

keep a secret from someoneto hide information from a specific personkeep a secret safeto protect confidential information

Synonyms

maintain confidentialityhold a secretkeep something under wraps

Antonyms

reveal a secretspill the beanslet the cat out of the bag

Related Phrases

spill the beansidiom
to reveal a secret
let the cat out of the bagidiom
to disclose a secret

💡Pro Tip

Trust and discretion

Use this phrase when emphasizing the importance of not sharing confidential information.

⚡Gold Rule

Professional confidentiality

In professional settings, keeping secrets is often a legal and ethical obligation.

📖Word Origin

The phrase combines the verb 'keep' (to retain possession) with 'secret' (confidential information), emphasizing the act of not disclosing information.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is commonly used in personal and professional contexts where trust and discretion are important.

Word Breakdown

keep
to retain possession or control
root
+
a
indefinite article
determiner
+
secret
confidential information
noun
English Dictionary

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