In 15 Seconds
- Not telling anyone private information.
- A sign of trust and loyalty.
- Used for surprises, gossip, or business.
Meaning
This means you have information that you must not tell anyone else. It is about being trustworthy and making sure a private story or fact stays hidden.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking to a best friend
I have a crush on Mark, but you have to keep a secret!
I have a crush on Mark, but you have to keep a secret!
Planning a surprise
We are throwing a party for Sarah; can you keep a secret?
We are throwing a party for Sarah; can you keep a secret?
In a professional meeting
The company is merging, but please keep a secret for now.
The company is merging, but please keep a secret for now.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'keeping a secret' is central to the idea of the 'confidant' in Western literature and social circles. In the UK and US, 'pinky swearing' is a common childhood ritual used to seal the promise of keeping a secret. It reflects a deep social value placed on personal privacy and individual trust.
The 'Can You' Test
Always ask 'Can you keep a secret?' before sharing. It builds suspense and makes the other person feel important!
Don't say 'hold'
In some languages, you 'hold' a secret. In English, we always 'keep' it. Saying 'hold a secret' sounds a bit like you are physically carrying a box.
In 15 Seconds
- Not telling anyone private information.
- A sign of trust and loyalty.
- Used for surprises, gossip, or business.
What It Means
To keep a secret is to protect information. It means you are a vault. When someone tells you something private, you lock it away. You do not whisper it to others. It is about loyalty and trust. If you keep a secret, you are a reliable friend.
How To Use It
You use this phrase as a verb. You can ask a question: "Can you keep a secret?" Or you can make a promise: "Don't worry, I can keep a secret." It is very simple to fit into sentences. Just remember that the word keep changes with time. Yesterday, you kept a secret. Tomorrow, you will keep one.
When To Use It
Use it when someone is about to tell you juicy gossip. Use it when planning a surprise birthday party. It is perfect for work when a boss tells you about a promotion. It is great for kids sharing a hidden snack. Basically, use it whenever information needs to stay in a small circle.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for public information. If everyone knows the news, you aren't keeping anything. Also, avoid it in very legal settings. Lawyers might use more formal words like confidentiality. If a secret is dangerous, you probably shouldn't keep it anyway! Don't use it if you plan on telling your cat; cats are terrible at keeping secrets.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, being someone who can keep a secret is a high compliment. It shows you have strong character. There is an old saying: "Three can keep a secret if two of them are dead." This shows how hard it is for humans to stay quiet! We value privacy, but we also love to share "tea" (gossip).
Common Variations
You might hear people say keep it under wraps. Another common one is my lips are sealed. If you are very serious, you say take it to the grave. These all mean the same thing: you are not talking! Sometimes people just say keep it quiet or don't let the cat out of the bag.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral collocation suitable for almost any situation. The only 'gotcha' is remembering that 'keep' is an irregular verb (kept).
The 'Can You' Test
Always ask 'Can you keep a secret?' before sharing. It builds suspense and makes the other person feel important!
Don't say 'hold'
In some languages, you 'hold' a secret. In English, we always 'keep' it. Saying 'hold a secret' sounds a bit like you are physically carrying a box.
Pinky Swear
If you want to be extra playful (or you are talking to a child), ask for a 'pinky swear' when keeping a secret. It's a classic cultural gesture.
Examples
6I have a crush on Mark, but you have to keep a secret!
I have a crush on Mark, but you have to keep a secret!
A classic use between friends sharing personal feelings.
We are throwing a party for Sarah; can you keep a secret?
We are throwing a party for Sarah; can you keep a secret?
Used to ensure a surprise isn't ruined.
The company is merging, but please keep a secret for now.
The company is merging, but please keep a secret for now.
Used for sensitive business information before it's public.
I ate the last cookie, but keep a secret or Mom will be mad!
I ate the last cookie, but keep a secret or Mom will be mad!
Lighthearted use regarding a small 'crime'.
I'm getting a new car! Keep a secret until I tell Dad.
I'm getting a new car! Keep a secret until I tell Dad.
Informal request for temporary silence.
I've never told anyone this before, thank you for keeping my secret.
I've never told anyone this before, thank you for keeping my secret.
Expressing gratitude for someone's loyalty.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb form to complete the sentence.
He promised he would ___ a secret, but he told everyone!
The standard collocation is always `keep a secret`.
Complete the phrase for a past event.
I ___ a secret for three years before I finally told her.
The past tense of the irregular verb `keep` is `kept`.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Keep a Secret'
Used with friends and family.
Can you keep a secret? I'm dating someone!
Standard everyday usage.
I need you to keep a secret about the office move.
Usually replaced by 'confidential'.
Please keep this information secret.
When to Keep a Secret
Surprise Party
Don't tell the birthday girl!
Office Gossip
Who is getting fired?
Personal Feelings
I have a crush.
Hidden Gifts
I bought her a diamond ring.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesHe promised he would ___ a secret, but he told everyone!
The standard collocation is always `keep a secret`.
I ___ a secret for three years before I finally told her.
The past tense of the irregular verb `keep` is `kept`.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, that is not natural. We always use the verb keep with the word secret.
Yes, it is perfectly fine for casual office talk. For legal documents, use confidential instead.
The past tense is kept. For example: 'I kept a secret for her all summer.'
It is a more dramatic way to say 'I will keep a secret.' It implies you physically cannot speak.
Not at all! It is a neutral phrase. However, asking someone to keep a secret can sometimes be a big responsibility.
Yes, if you are talking about a specific secret that was already mentioned. Otherwise, use a secret.
Then you 'blurt it out' or 'let the cat out of the bag'. Those are the opposites!
Yes, it is used exactly the same way in all English-speaking countries.
Absolutely. It is the most common phrase to use when planning surprises.
Usually, we say keep a secret (noun). You can say keep it secret (adjective), which means the same thing.
Related Phrases
My lips are sealed
I promise I will not tell anyone.
Keep it under wraps
Keep something hidden or secret for now.
Let the cat out of the bag
To accidentally reveal a secret.
Spill the beans
To tell a secret or reveal the truth.
