😼 Let the Cat Out of the Bag 👜
Let the cat out of the bag, to - To give away a secret. This expression dates from an ancient practice of substituting a worthless cat for a valuable suckling pig by a dishonest tradesman in a farmer’s market. When the hapless buyer got home and opened the bag, the cat was revealed. Also see: pig in a poke.
Synonyms:
- Spill the beans
- Blow the whistle
- Lift the veil
- Let the monkey out of the cage (humorous)
Antonyms:
- Keep it under wraps
- Zip your lips
- Lock it up
- Hide the truth
Humor-filled Quote:
“Isn’t it funny how secrets travel? Especially when that cat gets out of the bag! Meow, everyone knows now.” — W. T. Wittywords
Similar Terms & Proverbs:
- “A secret spoken finds wings.”
- “Loose lips sink ships.”
Related Literature and Media:
- Books: “The Secret Keeper” by Kate Morton
- Songs: “Secrets” by OneRepublic
- Movies: “National Treasure” — where secrets and clues take the spotlight.
- Poetry: “Keeping Quiet” by Pablo Neruda
### Which of these means to unintentionally reveal a secret?
- [x] Let the cat out of the bag
- [ ] Make monkeys fly
- [ ] Dance with llamas
- [ ] Cast shadows on the sundial
> **Explanation:** "Let the cat out of the bag" means to give away a secret, whereas the others are made-up expressions.
### What’s a synonymous phrase for 'letting the cat out of the bag'?
- [ ] Baking a pie
- [ ] Building sandcastles
- [x] Spilling the beans
- [ ] Rowing upstream
> **Explanation:** "Spilling the beans" is synonymous with revealing a secret. The other options don't relate to disclosure of information.
### True or False: 'Breaking the mirror' is an idiom for revealing a secret.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** Breaking a mirror is associated with bad luck for seven years, not with revealing secrets.
### Related idiom: 'pig in a poke.' What does it mean?
- [x] Buying something without knowing its value.
- [ ] Understanding a situation fully.
- [ ] Celebrating quietly.
- [ ] Giving a toast.
> **Explanation:** "Pig in a poke" refers to buying something ignorantly or without inspecting it, much like our secretive cat swap.
Thought-Provoking Farewell:
Remember, dear reader, secrets are stealthy critters. They’ll eventually find a way out—just like a cat springs from a bag. Guard them wisely or let them roam free with purpose. 🌟
Stay curious, F. Lauder Snicket
