let the cat out
Disclose hidden information
To let the cat out is to reveal a secret, usually unintentionally or prematurely.
The full expression is let the cat out of the bag, but the shortened form works when context is clear: I wasn't going to say anything about the surprise party, but Jake let the cat out.
The phrase suggests information escaping containment, like an animal wriggling free.
- letGive permission
- catSmall furry housepet
- outNot present here
- spill the beansReveal confidential information
- escapeFlight from captivity
blow the whistle · blurt out · disclosure · slip · slip of the tongue · guilt · unveiling · open secret · betrayal · exposure · cover blown · true colors · transparency · shock · loose lips · loose cannon · regret · break the news
- idiomstime flies, hit the sack, seize the day, ring a bell, break a leg
- Old Idiomsbeyond the pale, hue and cry, scot-free, knight in shining armor, eat humble pie
- Cat Lorecat goddess, familiar, witch's cat, familiars, black cat
- secrecysecrecy, secret, secrets, confidential, classified
- Nautical Idiomsbatten down the hatches, all hands on deck, smooth sailing, three sheets to the wind, in the same boat
- Candor Phrasesto be honest, truth be told, honestly, frankly, to tell the truth
secrecy/disclosure
let the cat outkeep mum
Remain silent intentionally
button one's lip · hold one's tongue · keep quiet · bite one's tongue · say nothing