Keep it Under Wraps — Meaning, Usage & Examples

What it means...

To keep something secret and let no one know.

When you keep something under wraps, you hide it on purpose until the right moment.

It's used when news is being held back before an official announcement.

Use it when…

When a company is developing a new product and doesn't want it to leak
When a piece of news is being kept secret until the right moment to announce it
When someone has important personal news they aren't ready to share yet

Don’t confuse with...

"Off the Record"

—

Sharing information informally with the understanding it won't be published

"Keep It to Yourself"

—

To not tell anyone else something you know — a direct personal instruction

"Keep it Under Wraps"

—

Deliberately keeping something secret until you're ready to reveal it

Where you’ll hear it

You’ll hear the "Keep it Under Wraps" idiom in real life — at work, in relationships, or in the media.

Work & Business

Corporate Issues

A product team keeps the new launch under wraps until the marketing campaign is fully ready.

Relationships & Social Life

Family

A couple keeps the pregnancy under wraps until they're past the first trimester.

Media & Everyday Life

Interviews

An actor says the plot of the sequel has been kept under wraps — even the cast doesn't know the ending.

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Use it like this

Here’s how to use "Keep it Under Wraps" idiom naturally in real conversations, with real examples.

Work & Business

Meetings

Boss

How much does the wider team know about the merger talks?

You

Nothing yet — we're keeping it under wraps until the deal is signed.

Relationships

Talking to Friend

Friend

Have you told anyone else about the job offer yet?

You

No — keeping it under wraps until I've made my decision.

Everyday Conversations

Storytelling

Friend

Did anyone find out about the surprise party before Saturday?

You

No — we kept it completely under wraps, which was a miracle.

‹›

Last updated:

October 4, 2026

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