in petto
The Italian phrase "in petto" is borrowed into English, often used to describe something kept hidden or not yet revealed, especially in religious contexts.
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Definition
C1General
(informal)Done secretly or privately.
Example
- They discussed their plans in petto to avoid any interference.
C2Roman Catholicism
(technical)Refers to a cardinal appointed by the pope but not yet publicly announced.
Example
- The pope named several cardinals in petto during the consistory.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "in petto":
sotto vocein one's headsub rosaback of one's mindin handin the bagin the closeton one's mindbehind closed doors