It's just that those in charge have diverted that wealth into a deep well that sits on their well-guarded estates.
"You must be sure that you are well-guarded," said Mrs. Knapp.
Send a well-guarded, placating embassy to him and to Cotubanama.
Cautiously, and in well-guarded phrase, Blount stated his case.
High walls were they and well-guarded, and at their foot was a deep moat which was rosy with lotus flowers all the seventh month.
A safe boat given also by him who built the gratuitous ferry daily transports to the well-guarded shore.
The Jewel House, a well-guarded room to the east of the Armouries, contains a valuable collection of state jewels.
On one side is the bank that hides such treasures in its mysterious and well-guarded cells.
But the nature of the powers for which Mr. Forster would ask, was a well-guarded secret.
At those last words he became suddenly silent, as if for once his well-guarded tongue had betrayed him.
c.1500, past participle adjective from guard (v.). Meaning "reserved and cautious in speech, behavior, etc." is from 1728. Related: Guardedly; guardedness.
guarded adj.
Watched over; supervised, as of the condition of a patient.