let the cat out of the bag
/ˌlet ðə ˌkæt aʊt əv ðə ˈbæɡ/NEUTRAL · C1
Meaning
to reveal a secret, often without meaning to
Examples
- 1I nearly let the cat out of the bag when I mentioned the surprise tickets.
- 2Who let the cat out of the bag about our new puppy?
- 3Dan let the cat out of the bag by asking Mum what time her surprise party started.
- 4We hadn't announced our move, but a photo of the packed boxes let the cat out of the bag.
- 5Whenever she names the mystery guest before the show, she lets the cat out of the bag.
Grammar
Only let changes: let, lets, letting; the past form is also let. Keep both articles the.
Similar in meaning
More idioms about animals
All 20 idioms and the topic quiz →the elephant in the rooman obvious problem that everyone avoids discussingan early birdsomeone who gets up or does things before othersa dark horsesomeone with unexpected talents or interests they rarely mentiona night owlsomeone who prefers staying awake and active latea guinea pigsomeone used to test a new product or methodmonkey businessdishonest or unacceptable behaviour
English Idioms400 idioms in 20 topics — with reviews that keep them from fading
Here you get a couple of questions. The app gives you 16 practice modes, native equivalents and spaced repetition that tells you when it’s time to refresh.
