Under wraps

Idiomatic Phrase
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

Want to hear it? Click the Listen button to hear the browser speak the word using text-to-speech!

The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

An idiom meaning kept secret, hidden, or concealed from public knowledge, often referring to plans, information, or projects intentionally withheld until ready for revelation.

Detailed Definition
Under wraps means concealed, secret, protected from public knowledge, or not yet revealed. In poetry, the idiom suggests something covered, bound, or hidden until the right moment. It can describe plans, feelings, inventions, pregnancies, scandals, poems, or identities. A poet may use it to build suspense or to show the pressure of secrecy. The phrase is useful for exploring concealment, anticipation, and the difference between privacy that protects and secrecy that distorts.
Example
Example in poetry:
A theatre poem might keep the new play under wraps until opening night; In a political poem, the treaty remains under wraps while rumours thicken; The phrase means kept secret or hidden from public view; A poet can use it for suspense and concealment.
Additional Notes
Under wraps means kept secret, concealed, or not yet revealed. The wrapping image suggests something hidden but present, like a gift, body, artwork, or official plan. In poetry, it suits secrecy, pregnancy, political schemes, artistic preparation, forbidden love, and withheld announcements. Students should ask whether concealment protects, deceives, or builds anticipation. It pairs well with cloth, veils, parcels, backstage spaces, and mysteries awaiting exposure.
Also Known As
Skip to main content