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To reveal a secret or hidden truth, often accidentally or prematurely.
She let the cat out of the bag about their surprise party when she mentioned the decorations.
He accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the merger during the meeting.
This idiom is often used when someone unintentionally reveals information that was meant to be kept secret.
This idiom is best used in informal settings. Avoid using it in formal or professional contexts where more neutral language is preferred.
Remember that this phrase is an idiom and should not be taken literally. It refers to revealing secrets, not actual cats or bags.
The origin of this idiom is debated, but one theory suggests it comes from the 17th-century practice of selling pigs in bags. Unscrupulous sellers would sometimes substitute a cat for the pig, and if the bag was opened before purchase, the deception would be revealed.
This phrase is commonly used in casual conversation and is considered informal. It is often used when someone reveals information that was supposed to remain confidential.