🤫 Between You, Me, and the Bedpost/Gatepost/Four Walls/Lamppost 🤐

A clandestine journey through idioms of secrecy and the whispers of informal confidences.

🤫 Between You, Me, and the Bedpost/Gatepost/Four Walls/Lamppost 🤐

Definition: The phrase “between you and me and the bedpost/gatepost/four walls/lamppost” means that something is being told in the utmost confidence. It’s often employed humorously or to indicate that some gossip is about to be shared.

Origins and Usage: The bedpost version hails from the early 19th century, featuring in works by illustrious authors like Edward Bulwer-Lytton (“Between you and me and the bedpost, young master has quarrelled with old master” – Eugene Aram, 1832) and Charles Dickens. The lamppost variant might be a tad older but has faded from contemporary use. The gatepost and four walls variants emerged subsequently and still make occasional appearances in modern usage.

Synonyms:

Just between us
Keep it under your hat
Confidentially
Off the record

Antonyms:

To everyone’s knowledge
Broadcast
Announce to the world

Humor-filled Quote:

“Between you and me and the bedpost, I’m starting to think that even the bedpost knows more secrets about you!”

Proverbs and Common Expressions:

“Walls have ears”: Indicating that confidential conversations might actually be overheard.
“A secret shared is a secret halved”: Sharing a secret with someone else lightens your burden.

Suggested Literature:

“Eugene Aram” by Edward Bulwer-Lytton – Explore the origin of some classic idioms.
“The Art of Confidences” by Sarah Whitney-Smyth – Dive into the nuances of secret-sharing and trust in human communication.

Recommended Music:

“Lean on Me” by Bill Withers – A song about trust and relying on others, which ties in beautifully with the theme of confidences.
“Secret” by Madonna – Ascribed to the allure and mystique of keeping and revealing secrets.

Notable Films:

“Secret Window” (2004) – Exploration of the psychological depths of keeping secrets.
“Shutter Island” (2010) – Full of secrets, lies, and dark discoveries.

### Which of these variants is a real idiom? - [x] Between you, me, and the bedpost - [ ] Between you, me, and the fish tank - [ ] Between you, me, and the mailbox - [ ] Between you, me, and the bicycle > **Explanation:** "Between you, me, and the bedpost" is an actual idiom used to denote confidentiality. The other options are humorous but not recognized as idioms. ### Which of these phrases means the same as 'confidentially'? - [ ] Out in the open - [ ] Publicly - [x] Under the hat - [ ] On the loudspeaker > **Explanation:** "Under the hat" significantly aligns with meaning confidentiality. "Out in the open," "publicly," and "on the loudspeaker" are the opposite of keeping a secret. ### True or False: 'Between you and me and the bedpost' was used by Charles Dickens. - [x] True - [ ] False > **Explanation:** True! Charles Dickens did employ this idiom in his works, stemming from the phrase's early 19th-century origins. ### What does 'walls have ears' mean? - [x] Be careful, someone might listen in. - [ ] The structure of the building can hear you. - [ ] People often lean on walls for support. - [ ] The wallpaper is patterned with ear shapes. > **Explanation:** "Walls have ears" is a proverb cautioning that private conversations could be overheard.

Farewell Thought:

As you dive into the whimsical world of idioms, clichés, and expressions, remember the power of words and the beauty of sharing confidences with trusted souls. May you find joy in learning, wisdom in whispers, and laughter in the unexpected nuances of language.

~ Eleanor Wiserwords, 2023