play it close to the hip

English

Verb

play it close to the hip (third-person singular simple present plays it close to the hip, present participle playing it close to the hip, simple past and past participle played it close to the hip)

1. To behave conservatively and discreetly.
   • 2013, Michael Stephans, Experiencing Jazz: A Listener's Companion, page 101:

     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.

   • 2015, Amanda Bonilla, Shadows at Midnight:

     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.

   • 2017, Kate Baxter, The Lost Vampire:

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