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tip hand

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tip one's hand

to reveal what one is going to do; to reveal one's secrets. (From card playing.) I didn't tip my hand at all. I left them guessing. They tried to get me to tip my hand.

See also: hand, tip

tip your hand

also show your hand

to let other people know what you are planning to do Some people think Smith will announce today that he's quitting, but he certainly didn't tip his hand at yesterday's meeting.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of tip or show your cards (intentionally or unintentionally let others see the cards you hold in your hand in a card game)

See also: hand, tip

tip your hand

  (American)

to let other people know what you are planning to do (often negative) Rumours still abound about Saling's next project but the actress has so far refused to tip her hand.

See swing the balance, I take my hat off to

See also: hand, tip

tip (one's) hand

To reveal one's resources or intentions.

See also: hand, tip