Ser poco demostrativo

[aleCcowaN]

I need similar phrases in English.

It means to keep your feelings to yourself, or to have troubles showing affection no matter such feelings exist and are intense.

The typical example is the ghost character in the film of such name. When he was alive he replied to every instance of his girlfriend telling him "I love you" by saying "Ditto" no matter no piece of raw pottery would survive when Unchained Melody was heard :rolleyes:

Also fathers poco demostrativos who never kiss their children or tell they love them though it would be like a stab in their heart should something bad happen to them.

[poli]

One idiomatic term would be: to keep (or maintain) a stiff upper lip.

Of course, to guard one's emotions works too.

[poli]

Another idiomatic phrase would be: not to wear one's emotions on one's sleeve.


Also, to have a stern veneer.

[aleCcowaN]

Those are great. Thank you, poli!

[poli]

To keep a poker face is another one. Example: His poker face belied the fact that he was holding four aces.

This term is not strictly used in the game of cards.

[aleCcowaN]

Yes, we use "cara de póker" extensively too in a wide range of situations, all of them related to not revealing information and not regarding concealed or repressed feelings.

I finally use "guard my love" in some lyrics due today for a sung gift. I would have consulted here extensively during the last two weeks, but you all know, "se hace lo que se puede" and "es lo que hay".