Let the cat out of the bag

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Meaning

To reveal a secret, often unintentionally, that was meant to be kept hidden.

Origin

Possibly from markets where a buyer might be tricked into buying a piglet in a sack, only to find a cat when the bag was opened, exposing the deception.

Variants

  • Out of the bag

Usage Examples

  • She let the cat out of the bag about the wedding plans.
  • He didn't mean to, but he let the cat out of the bag during dinner.
  • Once the cat was out of the bag, everyone knew the surprise.

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