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Region: General | Usage example: The whistleblower blew the lid off the deal.

Blow the lid off

Meaning

Reveal a scandal.

Usage

Used in investigative reporting.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Imagery of removing a lid to expose contents.

20th-century journalism adopted the phrase.

Related Idioms

Blow off steam

Release pent-up energy or frustration.

Blow the whistle

Report illicit or unethical behavior.

Blow your own horn

Brag about your own achievements.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.