let the cat out of the bag

/lɛt ðə kæt aʊt əv ðə bæɡ/
phrase★Intermediate— to reveal a secret◆idiom
◆ What It Really Means
To reveal a secret or disclose information that was meant to be kept hidden.
Literal Meaning
To physically release a cat from a bag.
Literal Breakdown
letto allow or permit+the cata domestic feline animal+out of the bagfrom inside a container
◇ Mental Image
The mental image is of a cat being released from a bag, symbolizing the uncovering of something that was hidden.
◈ When to Use
A friend tells you about a surprise party that was supposed to be a secret, effectively letting the cat out of the bag.
◉ Cultural Note
This idiom is believed to have originated from market practices where sellers might deceive buyers by replacing a pig with a cat in a bag. The buyer would only discover the deception upon opening the bag, hence the phrase's association with revealing hidden truths.
informal

To reveal a secret or disclose information that was meant to be kept hidden.

The CEO let the cat out of the bag about the company's new product line.

The CEO revealed the secret about the company's new product line.

I didn't mean to let the cat out of the bag, but I told my friend about the surprise.

I didn't mean to reveal the secret, but I told my friend about the surprise.

💡

This idiom is often used in informal contexts to describe an unintentional disclosure of information.

Related Phrases

spill the beansidiom
to reveal a secret
blow the whistleidiom
to expose wrongdoing or reveal a secret

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

This idiom is typically used in informal settings and can be used to describe both accidental and intentional disclosures of information.

⚡Gold Rule

Avoid Overuse

While this idiom is common, overusing it can make your speech sound repetitive. Vary your language to keep your communication engaging.

📖Word Origin

The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it likely comes from the practice of selling pigs in bags at markets. Unscrupulous sellers might replace a pig with a cat, and the buyer would only discover the deception when they opened the bag.

📝Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used in informal contexts to describe the accidental or intentional disclosure of a secret. It is often used when the disclosure has negative consequences.

English Dictionary