[Idiom] LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG. - Why Keeping Secrets Might Be Harder Than You Think

Reveal a secret.

Let the cat out of the bag" is an interesting idiom that refers to revealing a secret, often unintentionally. There are a couple of theories about its origin. One popular belief is that in medieval markets, unscrupulous vendors would put a cat in a sack and sell it as a pig. If the cat were let out, the deceit would be revealed. Today, the phrase is used more broadly whenever someone reveals information that was supposed to be kept confidential. This idiom is often used in situations ranging from personal slip-ups in conversation to major disclosures in the corporate world.

Example Sentences

1. He let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.

   Revealing information about a planned surprise party prematurely.

2. She accidentally let the cat out of the bag when she mentioned the wedding.

   Inadvertently disclosing plans about a wedding, revealing a secret.

3. During the meeting, one of the managers let the cat out of the bag about the upcoming layoffs, causing a stir among the employees.

   Unexpectedly revealing information about impending job cuts during a meeting, causing unrest among colleagues.