PhrasesHub

Kiss and tell

    Definitions

      • to reveal intimate details about a romantic or sexual relationship
        To describe someone who shares private information about a personal relationship, often for personal gain or to embarrass the other person

      • to caution against disclosing personal information
        To advise someone against sharing private or sensitive details about a relationship or situation

    Examples of Kiss and tell

    • Sarah's ex-boyfriend promised her he'd keep their relationship confidential, but now she's hearing rumors that he's been kissing and telling everyone they used to date.

      The phrase "kiss and tell" is used when someone shares secrets or reveals personal information about someone else they've had a relationship with, typically after a romantic or intimate encounter. In this example, Sarah's ex-boyfriend agreed to keep their relationship private, but now it seems he's broken that promise and is sharing details with others.

    • After the scandal, the company's CEO was hesitant to trust anyone, but eventually decided to confide in a trusted colleague, hoping that their conversation would remain a secret. However, the colleague later revealed that the CEO had confided in them about the company's financial difficulties, leading to a loss of trust and damage to the CEO's reputation.

      Here, the phrase "kiss and tell" is used as a metaphor for sharing sensitive information, implying that the conversation will likely lead to negative consequences. In this example, the CEO passed up the opportunity to maintain confidentiality, and as a result, lost trust and faced negative consequences.

    • Rachel tried to downplay the drama by skipping over the details of her breakup with her ex-boyfriend, but her friends could tell that she was still hurting and that she hadn't fully moved on.

      In this example, the use of "kiss and tell" is implied rather than explicit. Rachel is revealing some details about her relationship with her ex-boyfriend, but she's being selective about what she shares, choosing to focus on more positive aspects and downplay any negative ones. Her friends, however, are able to read between the lines and sense that there's still some tension or pain left over from the breakup.

    • Tom had always prided himself on his discretion, but after his affair with a coworker was exposed, he realized that his words and actions could no longer be kept secret.

      In this final example, the use of "kiss and tell" is most literal. Tom's affair was a secret that he and his coworker had hoped to keep hidden, but eventually, it came to light, leading to consequences that Tom hadn't anticipated or planned for. Now, his actions and decisions can no longer be kept confidential, and he's left to grapple with the public fallout of his indiscretions.

    • After our romantic trip, my girlfriend swore to never again "kiss and tell" about our adventures. She realized that sharing our intimate moments with others took away from the specialness of our relationship.

      "Kiss and tell" is a phrase that describes revealing intimate secrets or details about a relationship, usually to a third party. It implies that there was a moment of intimacy, such as a kiss, that was meant to be private. The phrase "kiss and tell" often carries a negative connotation because it suggests that the person sharing the secrets may be betraying the trust of their partner. In this example, the girlfriend understands the harmfulness of "kissing and telling" and promises to respect their relationship's privacy moving forward.

    • My ex-boyfriend was notorious for "kissing and telling" to his friends about our intimate encounters. I found out when his buddy spilled the beans during a night out. I was both uncomfortable and embarrassed, especially since he had promised me that our moments would remain confidential.

      This example showcases the negative aspects of "kissing and telling." The ex-boyfriend's actions breached the trust between him and his partner, violating the intimacy that was meant to be private. The phrase "kissing and telling" can also imply a lack of respect for the other person's privacy, which is a common issue in relationships that unexpectedly sour.

    • I've learned to avoid relationships with people who like to "kiss and tell." It's a habit that can ruin trust and poke holes in the foundation of the partnership. I'd rather find someone who values intimacy and respects my privacy.

      This example highlights the importance of privacy in intimate relationships. The person understands the negative impacts of "kissing and telling" and decides to avoid partners who are guilty of this behavior. The phrase "kissing and telling" can show a lack of regard for the other person's trust and can harm a relationship at its core. It can damage the sense of intimacy and privacy, leading to mistrust and potentially the demise of the relationship.

    • After a heated argument, my partner stormed out and swore never to "kiss and tell" their side of the story to our mutual friends. While I respected their decision, I secretly hoped they'd reconsider and tell our friends their version of events.

      This example shows how the phrase "kissing and telling" can be used in a contentious context. Here, the partner decides not to share their side of the argument with their friends, assuring that their privacy is preserved. However, the speaker wishes that their partner would reveal their version of events, implying that the lack of transparency in the relationship is hindering the understanding and resolution of the disagreement.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "kiss and tell" is used to describe someone who reveals intimate details about a romantic or sexual relationship, often for personal gain or to embarrass the other person. It can also be used to caution against disclosing personal information about a relationship or situation.

    The phrase is commonly used in gossip or tabloid contexts, and it is often associated with negative connotations, implying betrayal or lack of discretion. It serves as a warning to others about the potential consequences of sharing private information.

    Overall, "kiss and tell" is a versatile idiom that can be used to describe both the act of revealing personal details and the caution against doing so.

    Origin of "Kiss and tell"

    The origin of the idiom "kiss and tell" can be traced back to the early 20th century, where it was first used in tabloid newspapers and magazines. The phrase refers to the act of sharing intimate details about a romantic or sexual relationship, often in a sensationalized or scandalous manner.

    The idiom draws on the idea of kissing, which is a symbol of intimacy and affection, and telling, which refers to the act of revealing or disclosing information. The combination of these two actions conveys the notion of betrayal and indiscretion.

    The idiom has since become a common expression in the English language, used to caution against sharing personal information and to describe those who do so for personal gain. It continues to be widely used in contemporary language, particularly in the context of gossip and tabloid journalism.