let the cat out of the bag
Spill the beans
To let the cat out of the bag is to reveal a secret, usually accidentally or prematurely: I was planning a surprise party, but my sister let the cat out of the bag.
The phrase suggests information escaping containment—once out, it can't be put back.
Who let the cat out of the bag about the merger?
- spill the beansReveal confidential information
- spill the teaShare scandalous information
- blabDivulge indiscreetly
- blurtSpeak suddenly, thoughtlessly
- blurt outUtter suddenly, impulsively
disclose · reveal · tell all · leak · expose · give the game away · peach · tell · let slip · breach of trust · slip of the tongue · give away · indiscretion · loose lips · kiss and tell · divulge · let out · unmasking
- Animal Idiomsblind as a bat, brave as a lion, busy bee, copycat, dark horse
- common sayingsproverbs, idioms, cliches, maxims, adages
let the cat out of the bagkeep mum
Remain silent intentionally
button one's lip · hold one's tongue · bite one's tongue · say nothing · conceal
let the cat out of the bagthink before speaking
let the cat out of the bagkeep quiet
Remain silent
say nothing · mum · silent · tight-lipped · discreet