Definition

Idiom (verb phrase): - To reveal a secret, especially unintentionally or carelessly: This idiom means to disclose information that was supposed to be kept confidential, often by mistake.

Usage

This idiom is used to describe the act of accidentally or deliberately giving away a secret. It implies that the secret was previously hidden ("in the bag") and its revelation is problematic or surprising ("letting the cat out"). - It functions as a verb phrase (e.g., He let the cat out of the bag). - It is often used in the past tense to describe a revelation that has already happened.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "The cat is out of the bag": A common variation used to state that a secret has already been revealed and cannot be taken back. It describes the resulting state.
  • Well, the cat is out of the bag now, so we might as well tell everyone the whole story.

Variants and Related Words

• Spill the beans (idiom): To reveal a secret. This is a close synonym.
• Give away (phrasal verb): To reveal or make known unintentionally (e.g., ).
• Divulge (verb): To make private or sensitive information known. This is a more formal synonym.

Synonyms

• Reveal a secret
• Divulge confidential information
• Spill the beans
• Give the game away
• Blab

Related Idioms

• Spill the beans: As mentioned above, this is a direct synonym with a similar meaning of revealing a secret.
• Give the game away: To unintentionally reveal a secret or a plan, causing it to fail.
  • He gave the game away by winking at me while asking the question.

Verb

1. divulge confidential information or secrets
   • Be careful--his secretary talks