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Keep it under your hat

Posted by Bob on August 02, 2006

In Reply to: Keep it under your hat posted by Hilary on August 02, 2006

: Hi

: I have heard theory that the expression "Keep it under your hat" comes from the archers practice of keeping a spare bowstring under their hat were it would be dry and ready to use.

An interesting theory, but there's a much simpler explanation. "To keep it under your hat" doesn't mean to keep something dry, or in reserve ... it means to keep it secret, not to tell anyone else. In other words, to keep it inside your head (aha!) and not let it out.

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