Meaning of play it close to the hip | Babel Free

Definitions

To behave conservatively and discreetly.

Examples

“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.”

“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.”

“Rin would play this close to the hip. No way would he show his hand so soon.”

CEFR level