Out of the closet

Meaning

The idiom "out of the closet" means to reveal or make known something that was previously kept hidden or private. It can also refer to coming out of the dark or being open about one's true intentions or motivations.

Usage

• The whistleblower finally came forward and exposed the company's illegal practices, which were "out of the closet" for years.
• After years of denying her sexuality, she decided to come out of the closet and start living her life authentically.
• The politician was caught in a scandal and had to admit that his decisions were motivated by personal gain rather than public interest, which was "out of the closet" for many voters.
• The company's new CEO made it clear that she was determined to turn things around and take the company "out of the closet" financially.
• The athlete had been accused of doping but denied any wrongdoing until he was finally caught "out of the closet" with evidence of performance-enhancing drugs.

Roots and History

The idiom "out of the closet" has its roots in the fact that people used to keep their belongings or items in a wooden chest, which was often locked and hidden away. When someone wanted to use an item from the chest, they would have to open it, which could be seen as revealing or making known what was inside. Over time, the idiom evolved to refer to revealing personal information or secrets that were previously kept hidden.

Synonyms in English

• Out in the open
• In the light of day
• Exposed
• Revealed
• Made public

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish: En el agua clara (Out in the clear)
• French: Au jour (In the light of day)
• Italian: Aperto al sole (Open to the sun)
• German: Offenbar (Revealed)
• Chinese: 公开的 (Public)

Similar Idioms

• on the other hand

• over and over again

• on the blink