the cat’s out of the bag: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘the cat's out of the bag’ mean?
The idiom "the cat's out of the bag" means that a secret or hidden information has been revealed or made known to everyone, often causing surprise or a negative outcome.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom *the jig is up* is commonly used to indicate that a deception or secret has been exposed. It is fascinating to understand the historical context of this idiom to fully comprehend its meaning.
The idiom "the chickens come home to roost" means that negative consequences or troubles from previous actions will eventually catch up to a person.
The idiom "tell tales out of school" means to reveal or gossip about private or confidential information or secrets, especially ones that should not be shared publicly.
The idiom "tell tales" means to reveal or disclose secret information or to give away confidential or incriminating details about someone or something.
The idiom "tell tales" has a long history and is used in various contexts. It is commonly used to describe someone who spreads gossip or shares information that may not be accurate or reliable.
The idiom "take out an onion" means to reveal or disclose information that is hidden or secret. It implies the act of peeling away layers, just as one peels an onion to unveil its layers. The idiom is often used in contexts where someone uncovers the truth or exposes hidden motives.
The idiom "spill the beans" means to reveal a secret or disclose confidential information unintentionally or deliberately.
The idiom "spill one's guts" means to confess or reveal something very personal or private, often in an emotional or dramatic way.
Unveiling Escapade
The idiom "the cat's out of the bag" is a common expression used in the English language to convey the idea of a secret being revealed or confidential information being disclosed. It can be related to other idioms such as "let the cat out of the bag", "the genie's out of the bottle", "come out", "spill the beans", and "cat in the meal-tub". Each of these idioms shares a similar theme of disclosure or revelation.
Let's start with the idiom "let the cat out of the bag". This expression has a similar meaning to "the cat's out of the bag", emphasizing the release of information that was previously hidden or confidential. It can be used interchangeably in many situations, highlighting the universal nature of this concept.
Another related idiom is "the genie's out of the bottle". This phrase is often used to emphasize that once a secret or hidden truth has been revealed, it cannot be undone. It carries a sense of irreversible disclosure, much like "the cat's out of the bag". In both cases, once the secret is out, there's no going back.
Additionally, the idiom "come out" can be connected to "the cat's out of the bag" in terms of disclosure. When something or someone "comes out", it means that they are being revealed or made known. This can apply to secrets, plans, or even personal information. Just as "the cat's out of the bag" suggests the unveiling of a hidden truth, "come out" conveys a similar theme of disclosure.
Similarly, the idiom "spill the beans" can be used as another related expression. When someone "spills the beans", they disclose or reveal information that was meant to be kept secret or private. This can be linked to "the cat's out of the bag" as both idioms revolve around the idea of a secret being revealed or exposed.
Lastly, the idiom "cat in the meal-tub" can also be included in the list of related idioms. While it may not be as commonly used as the others, it shares the theme of secrecy and disclosure. In this idiom, the presence of a cat in a meal-tub would be unexpected and shocking, much like the revelation of a secret. Both phrases highlight the element of surprise and unexpectedness.
Overall, these related idioms serve to underscore the core meaning of "the cat's out of the bag" and add depth to its usage. They all revolve around the disclosure or revelation of hidden information, each with its own unique imagery and context. From the origins of selling piglets to the figurative usage in everyday conversations, this idiom remains a powerful expression in the English language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "the cat's out of the bag" can be used in a sentence:
- She accidentally revealed her surprise party plans to her husband, and now the cat's out of the bag.
- The company's new product was supposed to be a secret, but the cat's out of the bag after leaked photos appeared online.
- Despite their efforts to keep it quiet, the news of their engagement is now known by everyone - the cat's out of the bag.
More "Revelation" idioms
