Under the lyrics of your favorite song, you might hear the base line driving the music. Depending on your musical taste, maybe its “under raps,” but this is the only time you should use this spelling.
When you think of the correct spelling of this idiom, which is “under wraps” by the way, think instead of Egyptian mummies or birthday presents. Think of an adorable puppy in hiding that your landlord doesn’t want you to have.
This expression dates back to roughly 1939, but it’s closely connected with the 15th century origin of the word “wrap.” In its earliest uses, “to wrap” referred to the process of tightly packing up bread, surrounding it with material to keep it fresh and clean. Starting in the mid-1900s, “under wraps” came into use, when referring to tightly covering up an idea.
Just to wrap things up—see what I did there with another “wrap” expression, this one with an origin in the film industry?—there’s no need to keep this writing tip under wraps. Honestly, if you wanted to give it a soundtrack with some intense beats under raps, I’d be okay with that too.
Just know the difference please.
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