blow someone’s cover: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘blow someone's cover’ mean?
The idiom "blow someone's cover" means to reveal someone's secret identity or true intentions, typically unintentionally, which can have negative consequences for that person.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom meaning to betray someone or deceive them dishonestly, often when they least expect it.
The idiom "stab in the back" has a specific meaning and conveys a sense of betrayal or deceit. It is commonly used to describe a situation where someone is betrayed by someone they trust or consider a friend. The phrase implies that the betrayal is unexpected and deeply hurtful.
The idiom "have someone's number" means to understand someone's true nature or intentions, often implying that you can see through their facade or deception.
The idiom "have someone's hide" means to punish or criticize someone severely. It expresses the idea of figuratively taking away or damaging someone's skin, as a form of retribution or discipline.
The idiom "go over someone's head" means to bypass or ignore a person in authority and go directly to someone at a higher level. It is often done to obtain a desired outcome or get information without the permission or involvement of the immediate authority figure.
The idiom "give the game away" means to reveal or expose a secret or hidden truth, usually unintentionally, thereby spoiling a surprise, plan, or strategy.
The idiom "expose oneself" means to reveal or make known something that was previously hidden or secret, often in an embarrassing or vulnerable way.
The idiom "do the dirty on" means to betray or deceive someone, often in a sneaky or underhanded way.
The idiom "cover up" means to hide or conceal something, often a mistake or wrongdoing, in order to avoid being caught or facing consequences.
The idiom "cook someone's goose" means to ruin someone's plans or cause their downfall.
"Call someone's bluff" means to challenge or expose someone's deceptive or insincere behavior, typically by daring them to follow through on a threat or claim. It involves testing their honesty or commitment in order to reveal their true intentions or motives.
Unmasking Secrets
The idiom "blow someone's cover" refers to the act of revealing someone's true identity or intentions when they intended to remain hidden or secret. It is often used in informal contexts and suggests exposing someone's disguise or pretense, which can jeopardize their plans or actions.
The verb "blow" in this idiom has a metaphorical meaning of "expose" or "reveal." It aligns with the idea of uncovering or disclosing someone's concealed identity or plans. The use of "blow" implies a sudden and unexpected action that uncovers information that was meant to be kept hidden or undisclosed.
The noun "cover" in this idiom refers to a protective covering, a shelter, or an assumed identity used by someone to hide their true intentions. It represents the facade or false identity that someone is attempting to maintain. When someone's cover is blown, it means that their disguise or pretense has been disrupted or destroyed, making it impossible for them to continue operating incognito.
The idiom "blow the lid off" is related to "blow someone's cover" in the sense that both idioms signify the act of revealing or exposing something that was meant to be kept hidden. "Blow the lid off" can refer to uncovering a secret or exposing a scandalous truth. Similarly, when someone's cover is blown, their hidden identity or intentions are revealed. Both idioms convey the idea of pulling back the veil and bringing hidden information to light.
The idiom "cover up" is also connected to "blow someone's cover." While "blow someone's cover" emphasizes the act of exposing or revealing, "cover up" refers to the act of concealing or hiding something. When someone's cover is blown, it means that their attempts to hide their true identity or intentions have failed. In a way, blowing someone's cover can be seen as the opposite of a cover-up, as it undermines the efforts to keep something hidden.
Another related idiom is "blow up in one's face," which means that a plan or action has resulted in failure or negative consequences. While "blow someone's cover" focuses on revealing someone's hidden identity or intentions, "blow up in one's face" emphasizes the negative outcome that follows an action or plan. If an attempt to maintain a cover is unsuccessful and leads to negative consequences, it can be said that the cover has blown up in someone's face.
Additionally, the idiom "blow someone's mind" is related to "blow someone's cover." "Blow someone's mind" means to greatly impress or astonish someone. Although the word "blow" is used in both idioms, they have different meanings. "Blow someone's cover" is about uncovering secrets or hidden intentions, while "blow someone's mind" is about overwhelming someone with something incredible or extraordinary. However, both idioms involve a sudden and unexpected impact on someone's perception or understanding.
Lastly, the idiom "stab in the back" can also be connected to "blow someone's cover." "Stab in the back" refers to an act of betrayal or treachery, often done secretly or from a position of trust. While "blow someone's cover" is about exposing someone's concealed identity or intentions, "stab in the back" is more about the betrayal itself. However, both idioms involve a breach of trust or a disruption of someone's plans or actions.
The idiom "blow someone's cover" involves the act of revealing or exposing someone's true identity or intentions, often jeopardizing their plans or actions. It is related to idioms like "blow the lid off," "cover up," "blow up in one's face," "blow someone's mind," and "stab in the back," which all involve some form of revelation, concealment, betrayal, or unexpected outcome. These idioms highlight different aspects of uncovering secrets, betrayals, or the failure of plans, illustrating the complexities and consequences that can arise when someone's cover is blown.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *blow someone's cover* can be used in a sentence:
- He accidentally revealed the spy's true identity and blew her cover.
- The reporter's investigation uncovered sensitive information, which ultimately blew the politician's cover.
- The undercover agent's disguise was blown when a nosy neighbor recognized him.
This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone's hidden or secret identity, usually in a covert operation or undercover mission, is exposed or revealed.
More "Disclosure" idioms
