PhrasesHub

Don't let the cat out of the bag

    Definitions

      • Keep a secret
        To prevent sensitive or confidential information from being revealed or disclosed to others, especially by mistake or accident

      • Reveal a secret
        To accidentally or deliberately disclose sensitive or confidential information to others, often causing harm or negative consequences

    Examples of Don't let the cat out of the bag

    • The boss told me in confidence that we're getting a raise next quarter. I want to celebrate with my colleagues, but I don't want to let the cat out of the bag and ruin the surprise for everyone else.

      The idiom "don't let the cat out of the bag" refers to keeping a secret safe and not revealing it prematurely. Just as a cat may suddenly escape from a bag, news or information can unexpectedly become public. By following this idiom, we ensure that secrets remain hidden until the appropriate time for sharing.

    • My sister is getting married next month, and she's been very secretive about the wedding plans. I don't want to spoil the surprise by accidentally letting the cat out of the bag and revealing the venue or the dress designer.

      In this example, the idiom "don't let the cat out of the bag" emphasizes the importance of keeping secrets and maintaining privacy. By avoiding accidental disclosures, we can help others preserve their surprise and enjoy the event without any spoilers.

    • The police caught the burglar red-handed, but they didn't reveal his identity until the trial. They knew that it was critical not to let the cat out of the bag before presenting all the evidence in court.

      In this example, the idiom "don't let the cat out of the bag" highlights the need for caution and precision when dealing with sensitive information. By preserving secrecy, we can ensure that justice is served and that everyone involved receives a fair trial.

    • The chef was planning a surprise dessert for the birthday party, but his wife accidentally let the cat out of the bag by revealing the dessert name in front of the guests. Everyone eagerly awaited the dessert, but it turned out to be a flop, ruining the entire party.

      In this example, the idiom "don't let the cat out of the bag" emphasizes the importance of keeping secrets, particularly in high-stakes situations. By avoiding accidental disclosures, we can ensure that surprises remain surprises and that everyone involved enjoys the experience without any spoilers.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "don't let the cat out of the bag" is commonly used to refer to keeping a secret or preventing information from being revealed. It can also be used to describe the act of accidentally or deliberately disclosing sensitive information, leading to negative consequences.

    This idiom can be applied to a variety of situations, from personal secrets to business deals and political affairs. It is often used as a warning or cautionary phrase to remind someone to be careful with what they share or say, as it could have unintended consequences.

    Origin of "Don't let the cat out of the bag"

    The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the 18th or 19th century. One theory suggests that it may have originated from the practice of farmers selling piglets in a bag. Sometimes, a dishonest farmer would replace a valuable pig with a less valuable cat, hoping to deceive the buyer. However, if the cat were to escape from the bag, the buyer would discover the deception.

    Another theory suggests that the idiom may have originated from a similar practice in medieval markets, where merchants would sell live animals in bags. If a buyer were to open the bag before the transaction was complete, the animal could escape and the deal would be ruined. In both cases, the phrase "let the cat out of the bag" would have been used to describe the revealing of the trick or deception.

    Regardless of its exact origin, the phrase has become a common idiom in the English language, used to caution against revealing secrets or sensitive information. Its colorful imagery and relatable background make it a memorable and widely used expression.