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Region: General | Usage example: With the email leaked, the cat is out of the bag.

The cat is out of the bag

Meaning

A secret has been revealed.

Usage

Used when hidden plans become public knowledge.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Derived from medieval market fraud stories involving pigs and cats.

Popular in the 1700s while trading storylines propagated.

Related Idioms

Spill the beans

Reveal a secret or disclose information prematurely.

Ace up your sleeve

A secret advantage saved for a decisive moment.

Skeletons in the closet

Hidden secrets that could cause embarrassment if revealed.

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.