Meaning: secretive. Use examples. Rewrite 1: holds his cards close to his heart Rewrite 2: files his notes under “top secret” Rewrite 3: reads his mail in a dark, shrouded room Rewrite 4: writes his secrets in code
Comment: Most references I found to this cliché gave its meaning a dark, sinister tone, so I have tried to stay in that connotationn2b. However, there are many other times when you might be secretive about something – say, a closely guarded family recipe – for which this would cliché could apply without implying a negative.
Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.
Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.
posted by Booksville Bookclub at 9:46 PM on Mar 7, 2006
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