Keep one’s own counsel

Meaning

The idiom "keep one's own counsel" means to remain silent or not share personal information with others, especially when it may be harmful or incriminating. It implies that a person values their privacy and wants to keep their thoughts and feelings to themselves. The phrase can also suggest that someone is hiding something or keeping secrets from others for personal gain or protection.

Usage

• "After hearing the rumors about her husband's affair, Sarah decided to keep her own counsel and not say anything until she had more information." - This sentence suggests that Sarah wants to remain neutral and not take sides in a difficult situation.
• "The CEO told me to keep my own counsel and not discuss the company's new strategy with anyone outside of our team." - In this context, the idiom means that the CEO is trying to protect the company's secrets and wants to ensure that only trusted individuals have access to sensitive information.
• "When I asked my friend why he was so quiet during the meeting, he said, 'I keep my own counsel until I have all the facts.' " - This sentence suggests that the friend values his privacy and wants to make sure he has all the necessary information before making any decisions or speaking up.
• "After the argument with her family, Jane decided to keep her own counsel and not seek their approval for her future choices." - In this context, the idiom means that Jane wants to break free from her family's expectations and make her own way in the world without seeking their approval or judgment.
• "The whistleblower was afraid to speak out against the company's unethical practices, but eventually decided to keep her own counsel and leave the job." - This sentence suggests that the whistleblower felt uncomfortable speaking up against her former employer and ultimately chose to remain silent rather than risk retaliation or damage to her reputation.

Roots and History

The idiom "keep one's own counsel" has been in use since at least the 16th century, according to the Oxford English Dictionary. The phrase comes from the Old French term "conseil," which means "counsel" or "advice." In medieval times, people often sought out others for advice and guidance, especially in matters of law or politics. However, as privacy became more valued in modern society, people began to keep their thoughts and feelings to themselves rather than seeking external validation or approval.

Synonyms in English

• Keep to oneself
• Maintain silence
• Stay quiet
• Keep one's mouth shut
• Be reserved

Synonyms in other languages

• French: garder le silence (to keep the silence)
• Spanish: mantener el silencio (to keep the silence)
• German: schweigen (to remain silent)
• Italian: tenere il silenzio (to keep the silence)
• Portuguese: manter o silênço (to keep the silence)

Similar Idioms

• kick the bucket

• skeleton in the closet

• let the cat out of the bag