Let the cat out of the bag
Let the cat out of the bag
To inadvertently reveal a secret.
To inadvertently reveal a secret.The phrase 'let the cat out of the bag' refers to the action of unintentionally or accidentally divulging a secret or revealing confidential information. It suggests that the secret was meant to be kept hidden, as if it were a cat contained within a bag, but has been exposed due to someone's words or actions. The imagery evokes the idea of something that was contained being released suddenly and unexpectedly, leading to unforeseen consequences. This idiom is often used in situations where the revelation of the secret leads to surprise, shock, or complications.
The phrase 'let the cat out of the bag' refers to the action of unintentionally or accidentally divulging a secret or revealing confidential information. It suggests that the secret was meant to be kept hidden, as if it were a cat contained within a bag, but has been exposed due to someone's words or actions. The imagery evokes the idea of something that was contained being released suddenly and unexpectedly, leading to unforeseen consequences. This idiom is often used in situations where the revelation of the secret leads to surprise, shock, or complications.
Use cases
I was trying to keep the party a surprise, but when I accidentally mentioned party decorations, I let the cat out of the bag.
Sarah let the cat out of the bag about her promotion when she casually showed her colleague an email meant for her eyes only.
The kids were excited about the trip, but we wanted it to be a surprise. Unfortunately, the travel brochures on the table let the cat out of the bag.
During the meeting, Mike let the cat out of the bag about the upcoming merger, causing a stir among his coworkers.
I had planned a surprise proposal, but my best friend accidentally let the cat out of the bag, ruining the surprise.
The look on her face when she saw the engagement ring let the cat out of the bag before he could even ask the question.
Trying to keep the new product a secret was tough, and eventually, an email forwarded to the wrong person let the cat out of the bag.
She didn't mean to, but by asking why we were buying so much food, she let the cat out of the bag about the party.
When the teacher mentioned the cancelled class, it let the cat out of the bag about the surprise day off the students were supposed to have.
I was saving the news of our move for the right moment, but my son let the cat out of the bag by talking about his new bedroom.
