Idiom
let the cat out of the bag
Meanings
To accidentally reveal a secret or hidden plan.
Definition
To let the cat out of the bag means to reveal a secret, usually by accident.
If you let the cat out of the bag, you reveal information that was supposed to stay secret. This often happens unintentionally, for example by saying something at the wrong time. People use it when a surprise or plan is ruined because the secret is no longer hidden.
Examples
- I let the cat out of the bag about her promotion before the meeting.
- Try not to let the cat out of the bag; it’s supposed to be a surprise.
- He let the cat out of the bag when he mentioned the engagement at dinner.
- Someone let the cat out of the bag, and now everyone knows our plan.
- Don’t let the cat out of the bag by posting pictures too early.
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 a quick update or confirm plans.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to tease someone or make fun of them in a not-too-serious 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 a quick update or confirm plans.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to tease someone or make fun of them in a not-too-serious way.
- drop the ball To drop the ball means to make a mistake or fail to do something important that you were responsibl…
- have a chinwag To have a chinwag means to have a friendly, informal chat with someone.
- face the music To accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of your actions or a difficult situation.