keeps one's own counsel
Holds thoughts inside
To keep one's own counsel is to keep one's thoughts and plans private rather than sharing them with others.
The phrase suggests deliberate discretion—not mere shyness but a conscious choice to withhold opinions or intentions: She kept her own counsel about the merger until the board meeting.
Someone who keeps their own counsel may be wise, secretive, or simply private by nature.
- self-controlAbility to restrain impulses
- secrecyPractice of hiding information
- circumspectionCareful consideration of consequences
- confidentialityQuality of protecting secrets
- calculationMathematical problem-solving process
reticence · holds back · deliberation · reserve · close-mouthed · taciturnity · self-reliance · prudence · discretion · guarded · tight-lipped · cards close to chest · autonomy · caution · foresight · introversion · wisdom · insightfulness
keeps one's own counselovershares
Divulges too much
wears one's heart on one's sleeve · tells all · spills the beans · lets it all hang out · blabs
keeps, keeping, keeper, keepers, owners, owning, disown, disowned, counsel