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."
keep to oneself
B1 neutral transitive/intransitive
To not share information, opinions, or feelings with others; or to behave in a private, unsociable way.
In plain English
To not tell other people something, or to not spend time with people.
What does "keep to oneself" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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 tip
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.
Words that pair with "keep to oneself"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
opinion thoughts feelings news ideas views
How to conjugate "keep to oneself"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "keep to oneself" in the wild
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Other ways to say "keep to oneself"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
be reserved keep private keep secret not disclose not share stay quiet about
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