ace in the hole »
A hidden or secret strength, or unrevealed advantage.
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be in on »
To be a party to a secret shared by a small group of people.
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behind somebody's back »
Without somebody's knowledge; secretly.
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behind the scenes »
In secret; out of public view.
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bird in the bosom »
A secret pledge that one makes for another.
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carry a torch for »
[2] To harbor feelings of love despite not being in a relationship; generally unrequited or after a relationship has ended, and sometimes implying secret feelings. There is the implication of keeping hope alive.
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clout list »
A usually secret list containing the names of people who are to be given special access, benefits, or influence in a political or social situation, especially as a result of having personal, professional, or financial relationships with those in authority.
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come out of the closet »
To tell others about homosexuality, bisexuality or any minority or disapproved-of belief, preference, etc., where previously this had been kept secret.
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dictated but not read »
Dictated, as to a secretary or stenographer, but not proofread by the person who dictated the text so annotated.
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dirty laundry »
Unflattering facts or questionable activities that one wants to remain secret, but which some other may use to blackmail with.
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does Macy's tell Gimbel's »
(US, dated, colloquial, rhetorical question) A rhetorical question with the implied answer being that competitors do not share business secrets with one another.
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first things first »
Deal with matters of highest priority first; deal with matters in logical sequence.1922, H. G. Wells, The Secret Places of the Heart, ch.4,"First things first," said Sir Richmond. If we set about getting fuel sanely, if we do it as the deliberate, co-operative act of the whole species, then it follows that we shall look very closely into the use that is being made of it.1999, Frank Pellegrini, "House Republicans Quell Mutiny Over Tax Bounty," Time, 23 Jul.,Judging by the polls
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hit the rock »
To make a gesture to show celebration, friendship, or to be part of a secret handshake by one person raising their fist so the fist is pointing at the person and the other person lightly punches the fist.
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honey trap »
The use of a seductive woman to entice a man into revealing secret information.
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in bed with »
Engaging in a close mutually beneficial relationship, especially secretly and illicitly.
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keep a lid on »
To keep something secret.
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keep mum »
Do not talk; especially keep silent about something that may be sensitive or secret.
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keep one's lips sealed »
To keep quiet; to keep a secret; to not tell.
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keep one's mouth shut »
To keep a secret; to refrain from speaking indiscreetly or carelessly.
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keep quiet »
To refrain from talking about something; to keep a secret.
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keep shtum »
Don't tell anyone; especially, keep silent about something that may be sensitive or secret.
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let in on »
To tell someone a secret.
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let slip »
To divulge a secret, as by accident or mistake.
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let somebody in on »
To disclose; to tell somebody a secret or share privileged information.
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let the cat out of the bag »
To disclose a secret; to let a secret be known, often inadvertently.
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listen in »
To eavesdrop; to listen secretly.
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mum's the word »
The accompanying facts are a secret, not to be divulged.
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murder will out »
Secrets or hidden crimes will eventually be exposed or discovered.
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on the sly »
Slyly, in an inconspicuous manner, so as not to be seen; secretly; stealthily.
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run away with »
To leave secretly with another person. Usually with the intention of getting married or of living together against the wishes of the family.
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run off with »
To leave with someone with the intention of living with them or marrying them. Usually in secret because other people think it is wrong.
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secret agent »
spy
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shoot off at the mouth »
Don't let [presidential press secretary Ron] Ziegler shoot off at the mouth without our knowledge.
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shoot off at the mouth »
To disclose some information that was supposed to be secret.
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spill one's guts »
To confess, or to divulge secrets, typically speaking freely and at length after a change of motive or an incentive.
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spill the beans »
To reveal a secret; to disclose.
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spy on »
To secretly watch; to surveil.
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steal away »
To leave secretively.
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take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves »
If you take care of little things one at a time, they can add up to big things.1750, Chesterfield, letter 5 Feb. (1932) IV. 1500:Old Mr. Lowndes, the famous Secretary of the Treasury, ?used to say?Take care of the pence, and the pounds will take care of themselves.1912, G. B. Shaw, Pygmalion ii. 132:Take care of the pence and the pounds will take care of themselves is as true of personal habits as of money.1979, R. Cassilis, Arrow of God, iv. xvii.:Little things, Master Mally. Look after the pennies, Master Mally, and the pounds will look after themselves.1999,
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tip one's hand »
To inadvertently reveal any secret, particularly a secret that puts one at an advantage or disadvantage.
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under one's hat »
Concealed; confidential; secret.
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under the radar »
Without attracting notice; in an undetected or secretive manner.
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under the table »
Secretly or without reporting, especially of payments made or business transacted.
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under wraps »
Secret or hidden.
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when the shit hits the fan »
A reference to the messy consequences of a secret or private situation becoming public.
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| BTW, Why won't you become an editor? |
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