keeping one's own counsel
Not sharing thoughts
Keeping one's own counsel means staying silent about one's thoughts, plans, or opinions rather than sharing them with others.
The phrase suggests deliberate discretion—someone who keeps their own counsel doesn't seek advice or reveal their intentions: She kept her own counsel about her reasons for leaving.
It implies self-reliance and often strategic reserve.
- reticenceHabitual verbal restraint
- secrecyPractice of hiding information
- prudenceCareful, wise judgment
- guardednessDefensive emotional reserve
- confidentialityQuality of protecting secrets
cards close to chest · need to know · reserve · discretion · tact · concealment · deliberation · non-disclosure · thoughtfulness · tight-lipped · circumspection · self-determination · private person · inner circle · silence · still waters · discernment · caution
keeping one's own counseloversharing
Revealing too much personally
blabbing · spilling the beans · gossiping · wearing one's heart on one's sleeve · divulging
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