Six Ways to Ask Someone to Keep a Secret in English
Mastering the art of discretion (in professional and personal life) in English.
In both professional and personal settings, maintaining confidentiality is often essential. Whether you are discussing sensitive work information, sharing a personal story, or revealing a surprise, knowing how to ask someone to keep a secret can help ensure that your information stays private. Here are six English phrases you can use to ask someone to keep something confidential, along with examples of how to use them in conversation.
1. Keep your lips sealed
Meaning: This phrase suggests that the person should not talk about the subject at all.
Example Usage:
I just found out some big news about our project, but it's still under wraps. Can you keep your lip sealed until the official announcement?
In this example, you are asking your colleague to avoid discussing the project details with others until the information is officially released.
2. Keep shtum
Meaning: This is a colloquial British expression meaning to stay quiet or not say anything.
Example Usage:
I have a surprise planned for Jane's birthday party next week. Can you keep shtum about it until the day?
Here, you are asking a friend to remain silent about the surprise party to ensure it remains a secret.
3. Keep it to yourself
Meaning: This straightforward phrase means that the information should not be shared with anyone else.
Example Usage:
I heard some interesting feedback from our client, but I need you to keep it to yourself for now while we work on a solution.
This request is for discretion regarding client feedback until a resolution is determined.
4. Don’t say a word
Meaning: This phrase is a direct way to tell someone not to speak about a particular topic.
Example Usage:
I’ve just been offered a new position at the company, but it’s not public yet. Don’t say a word to anyone about it, please.
In this scenario, you are asking a colleague to remain completely silent about your job offer until it’s officially announced.
5. Keep your mouth shut though please
Meaning: A more informal and somewhat blunt way to ask for discretion, indicating that the topic is very sensitive.
Example Usage:
I’m trusting you with this information about the merger plans. Keep your mouth shut though please, until it’s made public.
This expression emphasizes the importance of not discussing the merger plans before they are officially communicated.
6. Keep it hush
Meaning: This casual phrase asks someone to keep information quiet and not talk about it.
Example Usage:
We’re planning a surprise send-off for Sarah next month. Can you keep it hush so she doesn’t find out?
In this case, you’re requesting that a friend or colleague keep the details of the surprise party a secret.