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let the cat out of the bag

to reveal a secret accidentally

In Idioms & Sayings

In more detail

(idiom) to reveal a secret or tell someone something that was supposed to be kept private

Examples

• I didn't mean to let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party, but my sister figured it out anyway.

How to use let the cat out of the bag

This idiom is used when someone unintentionally or sometimes intentionally reveals information that was meant to be hidden or confidential. It often implies a mistake or loss of control rather than deliberate disclosure, though it can be used in either context. It is casual in register and common in both spoken and written English.

Register: informal

Common phrases

• accidentally let the cat out of the bag
• let the cat out of the bag about
• who let the cat out of the bag
• let the cat out of the bag too soon

Synonyms

spill the beans · give away the secret · reveal the truth · disclose the secret · blow the whistle

Opposites

keep a secret · keep quiet

A common mistake

Learners sometimes say 'let the bag out of the cat' or confuse the preposition, using 'out from' instead of 'out of'; also, some overuse this idiom in formal or professional contexts where a more neutral phrase like 'reveal' or 'disclose' would be more appropriate.

Nearby in Idioms & Sayings

cost an arm and a leg, spill the beans, hit the nail on the head, burn the midnight oil, the ball is in your court, pull someone's leg

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained