skeletons in the closet
Buried family secrets
Skeletons in the closet are shameful secrets from one's past—the kind that would damage reputation if discovered.
The image suggests hidden corpses, evidence of old misdeeds tucked away from view.
Everyone has skeletons; the question is how many and how embarrassing: The background check turned up a few skeletons in his closet.
Also *skeletons in the cupboard* in British English.
- secretConcealed information
- dark secretConcealed shameful knowledge
- darkAbsence of light
- dirty laundryEmbarrassing private matters
- cover upConceal misdeeds or errors
hidden · buried past · scandal · culpability · past life · generational trauma · shame · family secrets · concealment · disgrace · exposé · truth · blackmail · undisclosed · moral conflict · mystery · inner turmoil · emotional turmoil
skeletons in the closetopen book
One easily understood
public knowledge · out in the open · cards on the table · nothing to hide · full disclosure
skeletons in the closetbadges of honor
Symbols recognizing achievement
feathers in one's cap · clean record · crowning glory · claim to fame · good deeds
skeletons in the closetcandor
Unguarded truthfulness
honesty · openness · forthrightness · plain dealing · straight shooting
skeleton, skeletons, skeletal, skeletally, closet, closets, closeted, closeting, close