keeps one's counsel
Holds thoughts back
To keep one's counsel is to remain silent about one's thoughts, plans, or knowledge—to refrain from sharing what you know or think.
The phrase suggests deliberate discretion rather than mere quietness: She kept her own counsel about her reasons for leaving.
Someone who keeps counsel is guarded, perhaps strategically so.
- judiciousnessCareful, wise reasoning
- reticenceHabitual verbal restraint
- taciturnityDisinclined to speak
- sagacityPenetrating mental acuity
- confidentialityQuality of protecting secrets
circumspection · close-mouthed · diplomacy · deliberation · non-disclosure · behind closed doors · caution · foresight · tact · restraint · secrecy · under wraps · understatement · subtlety · reserve · indirectness · mutedness · tight-lipped
keeps one's counselblabs
Reveals secrets carelessly
spills the beans · tells all · speaks one's mind · lets the cat out of the bag · blabbermouth
keeps one's counselwears one's heart on one's sleeve
Displays feelings without concealment
speaks one's mind · holds forth · sounds off · vents · opens up
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