Under the table

[0946] Under wraps

🎲 Behind closed doors
English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • Kept secret or concealed from public knowledge.

Origin

  • The expression likely comes from the physical act of wrapping something (like a gift, a body, or merchandise) to hide it from view until the appropriate time.
  • This literal concealing was extended metaphorically to information or plans that are kept hidden or confidential.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Confidential
  • Secret
  • Hush-hush
  • Behind closed doors
  • On the down-low / On the DL
  • Classified (more formal/official)
  • Keep it under your hat

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Hush-hush
  • On the QT (Quiet)
  • Keep it on the DL (Down-Low)
  • Keep mum
  • Zip it / Button it (command to keep quiet)
  • Keep schtum (UK, informal)

Vulgar/Emphatic (More direct commands for silence):

  • Keep your fuckin' mouth shut about this.
  • Don't say shit to anyone.

Milder/Standard:

  • Keep it confidential.
  • Please don't share this yet.
  • Let's keep this private for now.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Appropriate in both informal and formal settings (e.g., business, personal secrets).

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Less likely to be misunderstood, as the context usually makes the 'secret' meaning clear.
  • A very literal interpretation might involve actual wrapping material, but this is rare.

Examples

  • The details of the new project are being kept strictly under wraps until the official announcement.
  • They managed to keep their engagement under wraps for months.
  • Keep this under wraps for now; we don't want competitors to know.

Dialogue

Person A: We've finalized the location for the new office.

Person B: Great! Where is it?

Person A: Ah, we're keeping that under wraps until the lease is signed. Don't want to jinx it.

Person B: Okay, got it. Mum's the word.

Social Media Examples

  • Tweet: Working on something HUGE behind the scenes... keeping it under wraps for now, but get ready! 😉 #ComingSoon #SecretProject
  • Instagram Caption: Photoshoot day for a new product line! Everything's still under wraps but here's a tiny sneak peek! ✨ #NewRelease #Teaser
  • Facebook Post: Planning a surprise party for Dad's 60th! Remember everyone, keep it under wraps! Shhh! 🤫

Response Patterns

  • Okay, got it.
  • My lips are sealed.
  • Understood. No problem.
  • Will do.
  • Sometimes followed by a question seeking reason: Oh? Why the secrecy?

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After being told to keep something under wraps:

  • Acknowledge the instruction: Okay, I won't say anything.
  • Ask about the duration: How long do we need to keep it quiet?
  • Ask about the scope: Who else knows? / Is there anyone I *can* tell?

After hearing something *is* being kept under wraps:

  • Express curiosity: Ooh, exciting! Can't wait to find out.
  • Ask for hints (usually rebuffed): Any clues?

Conversation Starter

  • No. Usually used mid-conversation to describe the status of information.

Intonation

  • Emphasis typically falls on wraps.
  • The tone can be secretive, serious, or matter-of-fact depending on context.
  • Keep it UNDER WRAPS.

Generation Differences

  • Widely understood and used by all generations.

Regional Variations

  • Common across major English-speaking regions (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.).
Under the table
🎲 Behind closed doors