giấu tủ
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To hide one's cards: Literally means to conceal one's playing cards. Figuratively, it means to keep one's plans, strategies, or true intentions secret, especially to gain an advantage.
- To keep something up one's sleeve: To hold back a secret resource, skill, or piece of information to use at a critical moment.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase:
- Anh ta luôn giấu tủ một vài chiêu thức đặc biệt. (He always keeps a few special moves up his sleeve.)
- Đừng tiết lộ hết kế hoạch, hãy giấu tủ một chút. (Don't reveal the entire plan; keep something in reserve.)
- Cô ấy giấu tủ bí mật đó cho đến phút cuối. (She kept that secret hidden until the very last minute.)
Advanced Usage
- This phrase originates from card games, where a player hides their cards to prevent opponents from seeing them. Its modern usage extends to any competitive or strategic context (business, sports, debate) where secrecy provides a tactical edge.
- It implies deliberate concealment with the intent to surprise or outmaneuver others later.
Variants and Related Words
- Giấu bài (verb phrase): A more direct synonym, also meaning "to hide one's cards." The usage is very similar.
- Giữ kín (verb): To keep secret, to not disclose.
- Che giấu (verb): To conceal, to hide.
Synonyms
- To hold back: To keep something in reserve.
- To keep under wraps: To keep something secret.
- To have an ace up one's sleeve: (Idiom) To have a hidden advantage.
Related Idioms
- Lật bài ngửa: (To reveal one's cards) To finally show one's true intentions or plans after keeping them secret.
- Đã đến lúc chúng ta phải lật bài ngửa. (It's time for us to show our cards.)
- Chơi bài ngửa: (To play with cards face-up) To be completely open and transparent, with no secrets.
- Tôi muốn chơi bài ngửa trong thương lượng này. (I want to be completely open in this negotiation.)