babble out
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: * To reveal or disclose confidential information or secrets, often in an indiscreet, careless, or uncontrolled manner. It implies a lack of intention to keep the information secret at the moment of speaking.
Usage
The verb "babble out" is used to describe the act of unintentionally telling a secret. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting the speaker is not being careful or discreet. It is typically used with objects like "secret," "information," or "the truth."
Examples
- He babbled out the company's plans before the official announcement.
- Under gentle questioning, the child babbled out where the hidden cookies were.
- Be careful what you say around him; he tends to babble out everything he hears.
Advanced Usage
- The phrasal verb can sometimes be used in a passive construction, though this is less common.
- The entire scheme was babbled out by an overconfident junior member.
Variants and Related Words
- Babble (verb): To talk rapidly and continuously in a foolish, excited, or incomprehensible way. This is the root verb from which "babble out" is derived.
- The excited tourist babbled about all the sights he had seen.
- Blab (verb): A close synonym meaning to reveal secrets carelessly or thoughtlessly.
Synonyms
- Blab
- Spill the beans
- Let the cat out of the bag
- Reveal
- Disclose
- Divulge
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Blurt out: To say something suddenly and without thinking, especially something secret or tactless. This is a very close synonym, emphasizing the sudden, impulsive nature of the revelation.
- She blurted out the surprise party plans before she could stop herself.
Related Idioms
- Spill the beans: To reveal secret information unintentionally or indiscreetly.
- Who spilled the beans about the merger?
- Let the cat out of the bag: To reveal a secret, often one that spoils a surprise.
- I wanted it to be a gift, but my brother let the cat out of the bag.
Verb
- divulge confidential information or secrets
- Be careful--his secretary talks