keep this under wraps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep this under wraps" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something should be kept secret or confidential. Example: "We need to keep this under wraps until the official announcement is made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Legal issues aside, is it ethical to keep this under wraps as much as possible in order to keep the much-needed center afloat?

The New York Times - Magazine

We wanted our best hotel partners to be the first people to know and we trust you to keep this under wraps until September 30.

TechCrunch

And word is getting out anyway, so any efforts to keep this under wraps have not worked, and have only been a disservice to the customer," he added.

TechCrunch

"FWIW I think @microsoft were smart using #Surface trademark to keep this under wraps for as long as possible!" We will ask Microsoft for more details and update as we learn more.

TechCrunch

So understandably, the Schumer camp would want to keep this under wraps.

Huffington Post

"You see, Gaga," the assistant stumbles, "we tried to keep this under wraps for as long as possible, but what with this new age of internet transparency and freedom-of-information acts and your mate Julian Assange, it seems the fans have finally found out some truths that we tried to hold back.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

To have kept this under wraps, potentially while communicating with the heavily-surveilled Isis senior leadership, would have required a sophisticated understanding of operational security and counter intelligence measures.

Independent

We kept this under wraps because it sounded like an obvious stock dump ploy, but it seems that Apple is recalling about 1.8 million batteries due to overheating problems with the cells.

TechCrunch

With the eyes of adulthood he now sees clearly how much damage his parents have done to each other, and to him, and Mr. Geraghty's rather forced ebullience hints at Timmy's desperation to keep this knowledge under wraps as long as he can.

The New York Times

Hopefully Pioneer or Apple doesn't keep this one under wraps for long.

TechCrunch

"The Kathmandu route has two advantages; it is familiar to former militants and their 'handlers' who used it in the past to smuggle militants into India, and it is away from the public glare and therefore suitable to keep this exodus under wraps," he says.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep this under wraps" when you want to emphasize the need for discretion and secrecy, especially when premature disclosure could have negative consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "keep this under wraps" in very casual conversations where simpler phrases like "keep it a secret" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can sound unnatural or overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep this under wraps" functions as an idiomatic expression, primarily used as a directive or request. It essentially means to maintain secrecy or confidentiality about a particular matter. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep this under wraps" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the need for secrecy and discretion. While not overly formal, it's commonly found in news, media, and general writing. Ludwig AI demonstrates that it effectively communicates the importance of maintaining confidentiality, and it’s primarily employed to prevent premature disclosure of sensitive information. Alternatives include "keep it confidential" or "keep it a secret", but "keep this under wraps" carries a more idiomatic weight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep it a secret

A more direct and simple way of asking someone to not reveal information.

keep it confidential

Emphasizes the private nature of the information.

maintain secrecy

Focuses on the act of keeping something secret, without specifying the thing being hidden.

conceal this information

Highlights the act of hiding information.

do not disclose this

A formal instruction to not reveal something.

refrain from sharing this

Politely requests that something not be shared.

hold this back

Suggests a temporary withholding of information.

keep mum about this

An informal way of saying to remain silent about something.

bury this information

Implies suppressing information to prevent it from surfacing.

hide this from view

Focuses on preventing something from being seen or known.

FAQs

How can I use "keep this under wraps" in a sentence?

You can use "keep this under wraps" to emphasize the need for secrecy, for example, "We need to "keep this under wraps" until the official announcement."

What can I say instead of "keep this under wraps"?

Alternatives include "keep it confidential", "keep it a secret", or "maintain secrecy" depending on the desired level of formality.

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

It's appropriate when you need to ensure that information remains private and undisclosed, often due to strategic or sensitive reasons. Suitable alternatives are "do not disclose this" or "refrain from sharing this".

What does "keep this under wraps" mean?

The phrase "keep this under wraps" means to keep something secret or concealed until a later time. You could also say "hold this back" or "conceal this information".