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vest

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keep (one's) cards close to (one's) vest

To keep one's plans, intentions, or tactics secret from everyone else. Refers to holding one's playing cards close to one's chest in a card game, so as not to allow other players to see one's hand. We're all curious about what the boss has been discussing in those meetings with the lawyers, but she's keeping her cards close to her vest. Sorry for not being more straightforward about my plans, but I'm keeping my cards close to my vest for the time being.

See also: card, close, keep, vest

play (one's) cards close to (one's) vest

To keep one's plans, intentions, or tactics secret from everyone else. Refers to holding one's playing cards close to one's vest in a card game, so as not to allow other players to see one's hand. We're all curious about what the boss has been discussing in those meetings with the lawyers, but she's playing her cards close to her vest. Sorry for not being more straightforward about my plans, but I'm playing my cards close to my vest for the time being.

See also: card, close, play, vest

play one's cards close to one's chest

 and play one's cards close to one's vest; keep one's cards close to one's chest; keep one's cards close to one's vest

Fig. to keep to oneself or be very cautious in one's dealing with people. (As if one were playing cards and not permitting anyone to see any of the cards.) He is very cautious. He plays his cards close to his chest. You seem to be playing your cards close to your vest.

See also: card, chest, close, play

vest someone with something

to grant power, rights, or ownership to someone. Who vested you with the power to order me around? The dictator vested himself with the power to imprison almost anyone.

See also: vest

vest something in someone or something

to grant sole power or control over something to someone or some group. The king vested all the military power in his own hands. The constitution vests the power to tax in the legislature.

See also: vest

vest in

v.

To place something, such as authority, property, or rights, in the control of someone or some group: I vested my estate in my son. The judge is very conscientious about the duties and responsibilities that are vested in her.

See also: vest

vest with

v.

To invest or endow someone or some group with something, such as power or rights: The company vests its employees with full pension rights after five years of service. The council is vested with broad powers.

See also: vest

vest

1. n. an important businessman or businesswoman. (see also suit.) Some vest jumped out the window this afternoon.

2. n. a bullet-proof vest. The cop wasn’t wearing a vest, and the shot killed him.