to oneself
to oneself¹ adv. phr.
1. Silently; in the thoughts; without making a sign that others can see; secretly.
Tom thought to himself that he could win.
Mary said to herself that Joan was prettier than Ann.
Bill laughed to himself when John fell down.
2. Without telling others; in private; as a secret.
■ Used after "keep".
Mary keeps her affairs to herself.
John knew the answer to the problem, but he kept it to himself.
to oneself² adj. phr.
1. Without company; away from others; alone; deserted.
The boys went home and John was left to himself.
When Mary first moved to her new neighborhood she was very shy and kept to herself.
2. Following one's own beliefs or wishes; not stopped by others.
When John insisted on going, Fred left him to himself.
The teacher left Mary to herself to solve the problem.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲