Idiom
spill the beans
To spill the beans means to reveal a secret or disclose information too soon.
Meanings
To reveal a secret or private information, often earlier than intended.
Definition
If you spill the beans, you accidentally or intentionally tell people something that was supposed to stay secret. It often refers to sharing surprising news, plans, or private details. The phrase is commonly used when someone speaks too early or gives away a secret.
Examples
- Don’t spill the beans about the surprise party.
- He spilled the beans and told everyone who got the promotion.
- I almost spilled the beans when she asked me about the gift.
- Please don’t spill the beans until the contract is signed.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes say "spill the bean" (singular), but the idiom is almost always "spill the beans" (plural).
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.