26984 words

secrets

9 definitions • 24 examples
1
a piece of information that is only known by one person or a few people and should not be told to others:

Examples:

Why did you have to go and tell Bob about my illness? You just can't keep a secret, can you?
A close couple should have no secrets from each other.
Aren't you going to let me in on (= tell me) the secret?
There's no secret (= everyone knows) about his homosexuality.
She makes no secret of (= makes very clear) her dislike of her father.
That restaurant is one of the best-kept secrets in Rome.
2
a fact about a subject that is not known:

Examples:

the secrets of the universe
3
the particular knowledge and skills needed to do something very well:

Examples:

So what's the secret of being a good cook?
4
If something is secret, other people are not allowed to know about it:

Examples:

We ought to keep these proposals secret from the chairman for the time being.
Do you think we'll manage to keep the surprise party secret from Mum until her birthday?
5
used to refer to someone who has a particular habit, hobby, or feeling but does not tell or show other people that they do:

Examples:

6
a piece of information that is not generally known or is not known by someone else and should not be told to others:

Examples:

We don’t keep secrets from each other.
Don’t tell anyone – it’s a secret.
What’s the secret of your success (= How was it achieved)?
7
known, done, or kept without others knowing:
8
if something is secret, only particular people are allowed to know about it:

Examples:

9
an important piece of information that only a few people know and that should not be told to anyone else:

Examples:

The ingredients of the drink are a closely-guarded secret.

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