spill the beans
/ˌspɪl ðə ˈbiːnz/INFORMAL · B2
Meaning
to tell people information that was meant to stay private
Examples
- 1We planned a surprise party for Mum, but my little brother spilled the beans.
- 2Come on, spill the beans: who did you meet at the concert?
- 3Nobody knew about the engagement until Aisha's cousin spilled the beans at lunch.
- 4If you spill the beans about the new job, I'll never tell you anything again.
- 5Who spilled the beans about the teacher's leaving present? It was meant to be a surprise.
Grammar
Only spill changes: spills, spilling, spilled or spilt. What is revealed follows about.
Similar in meaning
More idioms about honesty and secrets
All 20 idioms and the topic quiz →come cleanto finally admit the truth about something you kept hiddenkeep something under your hatto not tell anyone else about somethinga skeleton in the cupboardan embarrassing fact from someone's past that they hidebehind closed doorsin private, where the public cannot see or hearmy lips are sealedsaid when you promise not to tell anyonea wolf in sheep's clothingsomeone who seems friendly but is really dangerous
English Idioms400 idioms in 20 topics — with reviews that keep them from fading
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