adjective
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
a closely guarded/well-kept secret (= a secret that few people are allowed to know )
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The recipe is a closely guarded secret.
cautious/guarded optimism (= the belief that a future situation will be good or better than before, although you cannot be not sure )
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The U.N. sees cause for cautious optimism in what has been achieved so far.
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He expressed guarded optimism about the company's future.
closely controlled/guarded/monitored etc
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Political activity is closely controlled.
jealously guarded
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a jealously guarded secret
COLLOCATIONS FROM CORPUS
■ ADVERB
closely
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He knew that the routine and itinerary of the Chairman were a closely guarded secret.
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Today the locations of many rare or endangered species are closely guarded secrets.
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It was not the falcon's nesting site, John wisely keeps all such eyries a closely guarded secret.
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The level of marks required for entrance to secondary school is a very closely guarded secret and seldom officially revealed.
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In one poem William Ix said that a closely guarded married woman was as bad a prospect as a millpond without fish.
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Lifestyles copied from Miami and Fifth Avenue are enjoyed in closely guarded compounds well away from the misery of the slums.
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Compiling and using a press list Many organizations have press lists, which they keep as closely guarded secrets.
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The companies that administer the warehouses keep details of their contents a closely guarded secret.
jealously
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But universities have a considerable and jealously guarded degree of independence.
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The river is a jealously guarded preserve and very expensive.
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
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Baker spoke about the project with guarded enthusiasm.
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Michael Fallon, MP for Darlington, has given the scheme a guarded welcome.
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Their message was expressed in very guarded language.
EXAMPLES FROM CORPUS
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He knew that the routine and itinerary of the Chairman were a closely guarded secret.
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His reaction was a very guarded welcome.
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In one poem William Ix said that a closely guarded married woman was as bad a prospect as a millpond without fish.
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It was not the falcon's nesting site, John wisely keeps all such eyries a closely guarded secret.
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Strangers were rarely seen on that private and closely guarded property.
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The faces hold you: guarded , apprehensive, expectant, confident, resolute.