The phrase "under wraps" means to keep something secret or confidential. It is spelled as /ʌndər ræps/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The word "under" is spelled with the "u" sound followed by "n" and "d" consonants, and the "er" sound for the vowel. The word "wraps" is spelled with the "r" and "w" consonants followed by the "a" sound and the "p" and "s" consonants. The phrase can be used in various contexts, such as news or surprise parties, to keep something hidden from public knowledge.
The phrase "under wraps" is an idiomatic expression that refers to something being kept secret, concealed, or hidden from public knowledge or view. It suggests that the subject or information is being tightly guarded or protected, preventing its disclosure or release to the general public or unauthorized individuals.
When a situation, event, or plan is "under wraps," it implies that deliberate efforts are being made to maintain confidentiality or discretion. The purpose behind keeping something under wraps may vary, but it generally involves safeguarding sensitive material to prevent premature exposure or unauthorized dissemination. This can be because of the potential impact that the information may have on public opinion, personal privacy, security, or profitability, among other reasons.
The phrase's origin stems from wrapping or covering an object, often used in relation to packaging or transporting items for protection. By extension, keeping something "under wraps" means ensuring it remains securely hidden or enclosed until the time is deemed appropriate for public knowledge.
The term is commonly used in various contexts, including business, entertainment, politics, and personal affairs, among others. It can imply a sense of intrigue, suspense, or mystery, as individuals might speculate or eagerly anticipate the eventual revelation of the hidden matter.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The phrase "under wraps" originates from the world of film production. During the early stages of film production, the unused film negatives were wrapped in protective coverings to prevent damage. These coverings were typically referred to as "wraps".
When a film was said to be "under wraps", it meant that it was still in the process of being made and was not ready for public release or distribution. This term was then adopted more broadly to refer to any project or information that is being kept confidential or not yet ready for public knowledge.