Definition

1. Noun:
   • A supposed secret that is actually widely known: An "open secret" refers to information that is formally or officially treated as confidential or private, but is in fact known by many people.

Usage

• The term is used as a countable noun, typically preceded by an article ("an," "the").
• It describes a specific piece of information or a situation that is not publicly acknowledged but is common knowledge within a group or community.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can be used metaphorically to describe any truth that is obvious but not formally stated.
  • The government's internal divisions are the worst-kept open secret in the capital.

Variants and Related Words

• Public secret: A less common synonym with the same meaning.
• Widely known fact: A more straightforward phrase describing commonly known information.

Synonyms

• Common knowledge
• Widely known fact
• Poorly kept secret

Related Idioms

• An elephant in the room: Refers to a major problem or issue that everyone is aware of but no one wants to discuss. (Note: This idiom emphasizes avoidance, while "open secret" emphasizes shared but unacknowledged knowledge.)
• Worst-kept secret: A hyperbolic way to describe an "open secret," emphasizing how poorly the information has been concealed.

Noun

1. something that is supposed to be secret but is generally known
   • their love affair was an open secret