keep this close

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep this close" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking someone to maintain confidentiality or to keep something private. Example: "I trust you, so please keep this close until we make an official announcement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Keep this close hold".

The New York Times

The Packers defense is doing well enough to keep this close and a Mason Crosby field goal cuts into the lead.

The Guardian - Sport

"Last year, we thought, 'We ought to keep this close to the vest and make it a big surprise,' " said Brian Sharples, chief executive of HomeAway in Austin, Tex.

The New York Times

The home team should be able to keep this close, but Philip Rivers has a lot of weapons.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Thank you mom, I have stayed true and kept this close to my heart.

Huffington Post

The Little Ceasers down the street from my hotel never seemed to be open - they just kept this "Closed For Prayer" sign up all day long and didn't bother to turn the lights on.

Vice

Is there a part of you that wants to keep this interest close to you and your family and friends?

The New York Times

The Bruins struggled to run the ball, which they will need to do to keep this one close.

The New York Times - Sports

"Keep this one close," is what I like to think he whispered to Bruce after hearing "Hungry Heart".

The New Yorker

However in response they said "Oh no – we want to keep this as close to the book as possible".

The Guardian

If Temple can keep this one close, they might have the advantage down the stretch based solely on Wyatt's ability to score.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "keep this close" in a professional context, clarify the duration and scope of the confidentiality required.

Common error

Avoid using "keep this close" when you literally mean to hold something physically near. Use more specific phrasing like "hold this tightly" or "keep this nearby" to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep this close" primarily functions as an imperative, urging someone to maintain secrecy or protect information. Ludwig confirms its usability. It's a direct request for discretion, often used when sharing sensitive details.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep this close" is a request for discretion, urging someone to maintain secrecy or protect information. Ludwig AI confirms it is usable and generally grammatically correct. Although its frequency is uncommon, the phrase is most often encountered in news and media, as well as informal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context is appropriate and that the recipient understands the importance of confidentiality. While versatile, it may be prudent to consider more formal alternatives in professional settings, such as "maintain confidentiality" or "hold in confidence". Remember to be specific and clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep secret

A direct and simple way of saying to not disclose the information.

maintain confidentiality

Focuses specifically on preserving the privacy of information.

hold in confidence

Emphasizes the trust placed in the recipient to not reveal the information.

keep under wraps

Suggests actively concealing information from public knowledge.

guard closely

Implies protecting something valuable, whether physical or informational.

remain tight-lipped

Highlights the act of deliberately not speaking about something.

hold dear

Suggests cherishing something and keeping it emotionally close.

keep near

Focuses on physical proximity or closeness.

retain possession

Highlights maintaining control or ownership of something.

maintain control

Emphasizes the act of keeping something under one's power or regulation.

FAQs

How can I use "keep this close" in a sentence?

You can use "keep this close" when you want someone to maintain confidentiality or protect something. For example, "Please "keep this close" until we announce it publicly".

What does it mean to "keep something close to the vest"?

To "keep something close to the vest" means to "keep this secret" or not reveal it, especially in a competitive situation. It's similar to saying "hold in confidence".

What can I say instead of "keep this close"?

Alternatives include "maintain confidentiality", "hold in confidence", or "keep under wraps" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "keep this close"?

It's appropriate to use "keep this close" when entrusting someone with sensitive information or an important task that requires discretion. It's especially fitting in situations where secrecy is paramount.