Definition

1. Noun:
   • An unintentional revelation or disclosure: Something that reveals a secret, fact, or feeling without meaning to do so.
   • Something given for free, especially as a promotion: A gift or item distributed at no cost, often to attract customers or promote something.
   • (Historical/Formal) A grant of public land or resources for private gain: The act of giving away public assets, often seen as a loss to the public.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Unintentional disclosure):
  • His nervous laugh was a dead giveaway that he was lying.
  • The empty bottle under the bed was the giveaway that the child had been drinking juice after bedtime.
• Noun (Free promotional item):
  • The company is offering a free pen as a giveaway with every purchase.
  • I entered the contest hoping to win the book giveaway.
• Noun (Grant of public assets):
  • Critics called the tax break a massive giveaway to large corporations.

Advanced Usage

• "dead giveaway": An extremely obvious clue or sign that reveals the truth.
  • The muddy footprints leading to the closet were a dead giveaway of where the dog was hiding.
• "to be a giveaway": To function as a revealing sign or clue.
  • The price is so low it's a giveaway; the product must be defective.

Variants and Related Words

• Give away (phrasal verb): To donate something or to reveal a secret.
  • She decided to give away her old clothes. (To donate)
  • He gave away the ending of the movie. (To reveal)
• Giveaway price: An extremely low, bargain price.
  • They sold the car at a giveaway price just to get rid of it.

Synonyms

• Revelation: The act of making something known.
• Freebie: An item given out for free.
• Concession: Something granted, often in a political or business context.

Related Phrases

• Sign/smell/tell-tale giveaway: Phrases emphasizing the revealing nature of the clue.
  • The tell-tale giveaway was the ink stain on his fingers.

Noun

1. a television or radio program in which contestants compete for awards
2. an unintentional disclosure
3. a gift of public land or resources for the private gain of a limited group