Let the cat out of the bag

Meaning

To reveal a secret or a hidden truth, often unwittingly or unintentionally.

Usage

• I accidentally let the cat out of the bag about our surprise party last night.
• My friend accidentally revealed the ending of the movie during our movie night.
• The politician let the cat out of the bag about their plans to cut funding for public schools.
• The CEO let the cat out of the bag about the company's financial struggles.
• I regret letting the cat out of the bag about our secret project. The usage of this idiom can vary depending on the context. It can be used in a positive or negative way, depending on whether the revelation was intended or unintended.

Roots and History

The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it has been in use since at least the early 18th century. One theory suggests that it comes from the practice of selling pigs by putting them into a bag. If the bag was not properly sealed, the pig could escape and reveal its presence to potential buyers.

Synonyms in English

• Spill the beans
• Reveal the secret
• Let the cat out of the bag
• Expose a secret
• Uncover the truth

Synonyms in other languages

• French: "Dévoiler le secret" (to reveal a secret)
• Spanish: "Desclarar un secreto" (to declare a secret)
• German: "Entdecken ein Geheimnis" (to discover a secret)
• Italian: "Svelare un segreto" (to reveal a secret)
• Portuguese: "Descobrir um segredo" (to discover a secret)

Similar Idioms

• busy as a beaver

• greenhorn

• under the radar