keep to oneself
Not share openly
To keep to oneself is to remain private and avoid social interaction: She tends to keep to herself at parties.
The phrase also means to not share information: He kept the news to himself until the deal closed.
To keep something to oneself is to refrain from telling others: Keep this to yourself—it's confidential.
Seeking isolation from others
- withdrawnEmotionally distant, disengaged
- solitaryExisting alone, apart
- hermiticSeeking complete seclusion
- secludedSet apart, private
cloistered · isolated · antisocial · unsociable · loner · hermitage · seclusion · solitude
Turned toward inner life
- shyReserved and retiring
- timidLacking courage or confidence
- bashfulUncomfortably self-conscious
- diffidentLacking self-assurance
demure · inhibited · retiring · meek · wallflower · shrinking
Disinclined to speak freely
- taciturnHabitually uncommunicative
- uncommunicativeUnwilling to share thoughts
- guardedWary and restrained
- aloofEmotionally withdrawn, uninviting
distant · detached · standoffish · unapproachable · unforthcoming · cool · undemonstrative · restrained
Restricted to certain parties
- discreetCareful to avoid notice
- secretiveInclined to conceal
- concealmentAct of hiding something
- undisclosedNot made known
confidential · unobtrusive · cryptic · cagey · evasive · hush-hush · covert · hidden
reclusive
Seeking isolation from others
- withdrawnEmotionally distant, disengaged
- solitaryExisting alone, apart
- hermiticSeeking complete seclusion
secluded · cloistered · isolated · antisocial · unsociable · loner · hermitage · seclusion · solitude · loneliness
introverted
Turned toward inner life
diffident · demure · inhibited · retiring · meek · wallflower · shrinking
reticent
Disinclined to speak freely
- taciturnHabitually uncommunicative
- uncommunicativeUnwilling to share thoughts
- guardedWary and restrained
aloof · distant · detached · standoffish · unapproachable · unforthcoming · cool · undemonstrative · restrained · tight-lipped
private
Restricted to certain parties
- discreetCareful to avoid notice
- secretiveInclined to conceal
- concealmentAct of hiding something
undisclosed · confidential · unobtrusive · cryptic · cagey · evasive · hush-hush · covert · hidden · closeted
keep to oneselfsocialize
Interact with others
mingle · mix · network · circulate · fraternize
keep to oneselfwear one's heart on one's sleeve
Express feelings openly, visibly
express oneself · emote · pour one's heart out · let it all out · speak one's mind
keep, keeps, kept, keeping, keeper, keepers, upkeep, keepable, self