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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

play it close to the hip en · VERB

Meanings

  1. To behave conservatively and discreetly.
    • If I opened my mouth a string of accusations would fly out and if I didn't play it close to the hip, I'd ruin any chances I might have at coaxing some information out of him. 2015, Amanda Bonilla, Shadows at Midnight:
    • Rin would play this close to the hip. No way would he show his hand so soon. 2017, Kate Baxter, The Lost Vampire:
    • Goodman wanted to play it close to the hip by starting the evening out with his more commercial arrangements—which fell flat with the audience; however, when he launched the band into Fletcher Henderson's arrangement of "King Porter Stomp," the fans went wild. 2013, Michael Stephans, Experiencing Jazz: A Listener's Companion, page 101:

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
plays it close to the hip Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres lexicographic
played it close to the hip Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part lexicographic
played it close to the hip Tense=Past lexicographic
playing it close to the hip Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part lexicographic