under my hat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under my hat" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is a secret or should be kept confidential. Example: "I have a surprise planned for her birthday, but it's under my hat for now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

So I kept it under my hat.

The New Yorker

"When I told him that, he told me to keep it under my hat.

The New York Times

"I used to have it under my hat: believe you're the best.

The New York Times - Sports

I hide under my hat again, just for a bit, because I'm going to miss breathing.

The Guardian - Books

You know, "Nah, think I'll keep this one under my hat"?

The Guardian

I probably thought: "Oh this is just a mess, I'd best keep it under my hat".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Soon, I discovered that I was very bad at "object work"—somehow, no one understood that I was hiding the top-secret invisible documents under my invisible hat.

The New Yorker

Scouts continued to come to every game he pitched; I started to sneak under the bleachers, with my hat pulled over my eyes.

The New York Times - Sports

"But I do feel more powerful under one of my hats".

The New York Times

HORRIBLE AWKWARD SECRET She has 10 months to live, information that the good doctor tries to keep under his hat.

The New York Times

Corral loose hair under your hat and spray, braid, or trim it as necessary.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To sound more natural, especially in dialogue, consider replacing the "my" with "his", "her", "their" etc. depending on the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "under my hat" if the information is already widely known or is not genuinely confidential. It's best suited for situations where discretion is truly necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under my hat" functions as an idiomatic expression, signifying the act of keeping something secret or confidential. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under my hat" is a grammatically sound and idiomatic way to express that something is being kept secret or confidential. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for various contexts. While most frequently used in news and media, its core purpose is to indicate discretion. Related phrases include "in secret" and "confidential". When using "under my hat", ensure that the information genuinely warrants privacy and isn't already widely known. This ensures the phrase is used effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a secret

A simple and direct way to state that something should not be revealed.

between you and me

Establishes a bond of confidentiality between the speaker and the listener.

off the record

Signifies that the information shared should not be formally documented or attributed.

confidential

Highlights the sensitive nature of the information and the need to keep it private.

under wraps

Suggests that something is being kept secret until a specific time or event.

in secret

Focuses on the act of keeping something hidden or not revealing it to others.

close to my chest

Indicates that information is being guarded carefully and not shared with others.

hush-hush

Emphasizes the need for discretion and secrecy, often used in informal contexts.

on the down-low

Implies secrecy and discretion, often used in informal or colloquial contexts.

not for public consumption

Explicitly states that the information is not intended for general knowledge or dissemination.

FAQs

What does the idiom "under my hat" mean?

The idiom "under my hat" means keeping something secret or confidential. It implies that the information is known to you but is not being shared with others.

How can I use "under my hat" in a sentence?

You can use "under my hat" when you want to indicate that you are keeping a secret. For example: "I have some exciting news, but it's "under my hat" for now."

What are some alternatives to saying "under my hat"?

Some alternatives to "under my hat" include "in secret", "confidential", "hush-hush", or "a secret". These phrases all convey the idea of keeping information private.

Is it grammatically correct to say "under my hat"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use the phrase "under my hat". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.