lets the cat out of the bag
Spills the beans
To let the cat out of the bag is to reveal a secret, usually by accident or carelessness: I was planning a surprise party, but my sister let the cat out of the bag.
The image suggests something hidden that, once released, cannot be contained again.
The phrase often implies the disclosure was unintentional: He let the cat out of the bag about the merger before the official announcement.
- opens upBegins speaking candidly
- spill the beansReveal confidential information
- give the game awayUnintentionally reveal a secret
- slip of the tongueUnintended verbal error
- blow the whistleExpose hidden wrongdoing
confession · blunder · embarrassment · divulgence · tell all · faux pas · leak · unmasking · let slip · revelation · guilt · whistleblowing · disclosure · regret · indiscretion · loose cannon · loose lips · speak out of turn
secrecy/disclosure
lets the cat out of the bagkeeps mum
bites one's tongue · conceals · keeps one's cards close to one's chest · covers up