keep oneself to oneself
B2 neutral intransitive
In simple words
To stay out of other people's business and not mix with them much.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To live in a private way, avoiding close contact or sharing personal information with neighbours or colleagues.
"He was a quiet man who kept himself to himself — the neighbours barely knew him."
Usage notes
Predominantly British English. Used to describe someone who is private and does not seek the company of neighbours or colleagues. Neutral in tone — not necessarily negative. Often used by neighbours describing someone they don't know well.
Commonly used with
neighbour quiet private reserved shy introverted
Forms
Base
keep oneself to oneself
I/you/we/they
3rd person
keeps oneself to oneself
he/she/it
Past simple
kept oneself to oneself
yesterday
Past participle
kept oneself to oneself
have + pp
-ing form
keeping oneself to oneself
continuous
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Synonyms
keep to oneself be a private person not socialise much be reserved stay to oneself mind one's own business
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