keep under wraps

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep under wraps" is a correct and common phrase in written English.
You can use it in any context to mean "to keep something a secret". For example: "The company plans to keep the details of the project under wraps until the official announcement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mariah Carey isn't known for keeping secrets but one thing she has managed to keep under wraps are the intimate details of her husband's privates -- until now.

Huffington Post

here are 10 insider places to keep under wraps.

The New York Times

In her film roles she can flaunt parts of herself she might otherwise keep under wraps.

The New York Times

It is a city that Uruguayans are happy to keep under wraps.

The New York Times - Travel

"It seemed too big to keep under wraps," he told me.

The New Yorker

I have a theory: these critically neglected films tap most forcefully into a dreamlife we'd prefer to keep under wraps.

The New York Times

The year away from competition has allowed Francis to indulge a physics jones that he must usually keep under wraps.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet perhaps the most important detail we'll probably keep under wraps: the last time we actually spent any money there.

The Guardian - Books

"I forced people in the community to recognize this long-standing problem that they preferred to keep under wraps.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

As unique as Amy is, the stated fact of trying to be like her is something you should keep under-wraps.

WikiHow

Such details are still kept under wraps.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep under wraps", ensure the context clearly indicates what information is being concealed and why. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

While "keep under wraps" is common, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise terms like "maintain confidentiality" or "not disclose" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep under wraps" functions as an idiomatic expression. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage and notes it means to keep something a secret. It is typically used as a verb phrase within a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep under wraps" is a very common idiomatic phrase used to describe the act of concealing information. Ludwig AI confirms its meaning as "to keep something a secret". It is generally considered grammatically correct and is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal writing, opting for more precise alternatives like "maintain secrecy" or "not disclose" when appropriate. Ludwig's examples highlight its broad applicability, from hiding product details to protecting sensitive government information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep confidential

Highlights the sensitive nature of the information and the need for discretion.

maintain secrecy

Emphasizes the act of preserving confidentiality.

keep from becoming known

Focuses on preventing the information from being discovered or revealed.

keep a lid on

An idiomatic expression indicating control over the spread of information.

conceal the details

Focuses on hiding specific information rather than the entire event or plan.

not disclose

A more formal way of saying not to reveal information.

suppress information

Suggests a more active effort to prevent information from spreading.

hide from public view

Specifically refers to preventing something from being seen or known by the general public.

bury the news

Implies an active effort to make news less prominent or noticeable.

mum's the word

An informal way of saying to keep something a secret.

FAQs

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

You can use "keep under wraps" to describe the act of concealing something. For example, "The company plans to "keep under wraps" the details of their new product until the official launch."

What does "keep under wraps" mean?

"Keep under wraps" means to "keep secret" or to prevent something from becoming generally known.

Which is correct, "keep under wraps" or "kept under wraps"?

Both "keep under wraps" and "kept under wraps" are correct, but they are used in different tenses. "Keep under wraps" is used in the present tense, while "kept under wraps" is used in the past tense.

What are some alternatives to "keep under wraps"?

Alternatives to "keep under wraps" include "maintain secrecy", "conceal the details", or "keep confidential". The best choice depends on the specific context.