Idiom
let the cat out of the bag
Meanings
To reveal a secret or private information, especially by accident.
Definition
To let a secret become known, often by accident.
To "let the cat out of the bag" means to reveal a secret or surprise, usually earlier than intended. It often happens accidentally, when someone says something they should not. After it happens, the information is no longer private and other people know the truth.
Examples
- I let the cat out of the bag and told her about the promotion before the announcement.
- Don’t let the cat out of the bag—we’re planning a surprise party for Dad.
- He let the cat out of the bag when he mentioned the new project during lunch.
- She almost let the cat out of the bag, but she changed the subject quickly.
Common mistake
Learners often use this idiom for physically releasing something, but it should be used only for revealing a secret or surprise.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idiom (verb phrase)s
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- drop the ball To drop the ball means to make a mistake or fail to do something you were responsible for.
- have a chinwag To have a chinwag means to have a relaxed, friendly chat with someone.
- face the music To accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of what you have done or a difficult situation.