Browse all

keep to oneself

B1 neutral both
In simple words

To not tell other people something, or to not spend time with people.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic neutral

To not share specific information, opinions, or feelings with other people.

"If you can't say anything constructive, it's better to keep your opinions to yourself."

2 B1 idiomatic neutral

To live or behave privately, avoiding social contact with others.

"She was a solitary child who tended to keep to herself rather than playing with the others."

Usage notes

Has two distinct uses: (1) 'keep something to yourself' — not sharing specific information, opinions, or feelings; (2) 'keep to yourself/oneself' — describing someone who is private and unsociable. The first is more common. Note the difference from 'keep oneself to oneself' which is purely about social behaviour.

Commonly used with

opinion thoughts feelings news ideas views

Forms

Base
keep to oneself
I/you/we/they
3rd person
keeps to oneself
he/she/it
Past simple
kept to oneself
yesterday
Past participle
kept to oneself
have + pp
-ing form
keeping to oneself
continuous

Understand "keep to oneself" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Synonyms

not share keep private stay quiet about keep secret not disclose be reserved

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "keep to oneself" on Looplines