You hold your cards close to you so no one can see what you have.

VOA: special.2009.11.22

You want to use "it is important to" to emphasize or to make note of something that you hold close.

你使用“it is important to”来强调或说明你认为很重要的事情。

It's important 课堂 - SpeakingMax英语口语达人

A close race is being held for governor in New Jersey where the Democratic incumbent, John Corzine,is trying to hold off Republican challenger Chris Christie and independent candidate Chris Daggett.

VOA: standard.2009.11.02