Tag Archives: secret

Idiom of the day

Keep something under one’s hat

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Meaning: To keep something a secret or to not reveal information.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “I have a new job offer, but I’m keeping it under my hat until everything is finalized.”
  2. “He found out some surprising news but promised to keep it under his hat.”
  3. “She’s planning a big surprise party, so keep it under your hat!”

Origin: This idiom is thought to have originated in England in the 19th century. Hats were often used to conceal objects, and the phrase came to metaphorically mean keeping information hidden or not revealing it. The hat acts as a symbol for discretion and secrecy.

Keep something under one's hat
Idiom of the day

 Skeletons in the closet

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Meaning: This idiom is used to describe a secret, often unpleasant or potentially embarrassing, that someone keeps hidden from others. It implies that there is something in a person’s past that they are ashamed of or wish to keep concealed due to its potential to cause scandal or distress if revealed.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “Despite his charming public persona, he had a skeleton in the closet that he feared would ruin his reputation if it ever came out.”
  2. “Every family has a skeleton in the closet; it’s just that some secrets are better kept hidden.”
  3. “She seemed perfect, but I couldn’t help wondering if she had a skeleton in the closet.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “have a skeleton in the closet” dates back to the 19th century. The phrase likely draws from the macabre imagery of a hidden skeleton, symbolizing death and decay, concealed in a closet or cupboard. This hidden skeleton metaphorically represents a dark or shameful secret that someone keeps out of public view. The idiom emphasizes the idea of secrecy and the potential for scandal or embarrassment if the hidden truth is discovered. Over time, it has become a common expression used to describe hidden personal or family secrets that one wishes to keep private.

Have a skeleton in the closet
Idiom of the day

Spill the beans

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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:

  1. “I can’t believe you spilled the beans about the surprise party; now the secret’s out!”
  2. “The journalist accidentally spilled the beans about the company’s upcoming merger before the official announcement.”
  3. “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.

Spill the beans