Meaning: This idiom is used to describe the act of revealing a secret or disclosing confidential information, often unintentionally or without authorization. It implies revealing something that was meant to be kept private.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “I can’t believe you spilled the beans about the surprise party; now the secret’s out!”
- “The journalist accidentally spilled the beans about the company’s upcoming merger before the official announcement.”
- “She promised not to spill the beans about the new product launch, but she couldn’t resist sharing the details with her friends.”
Origin: The origin of the idiom “spill the beans” is uncertain, but it likely dates back to ancient Greece. According to one theory, beans were used as a method of voting in ancient Greek councils, where white beans represented positive votes and black beans represented negative votes. If someone accidentally knocked over the container of beans, it would reveal the secret votes and disrupt the process. Over time, the phrase “spill the beans” evolved into a metaphor for revealing secrets or confidential information.
