Meaning
Reveal a secret unintentionally or carelessly.
Primary Function
Revealing a secret
Communicative Purpose
To accidentally disclose hidden information
Pattern
let the cat out of the bag
Core Structure
let the cat out of the bag
Função primária
Revealing a secret
Propósito comunicativo
To accidentally disclose hidden information
Situações de gatilho
When someone slips up in conversation, breaks confidentiality, or makes an unintended revelation
Contextos
Casual conversations, storytelling, workplace gossip, family settings
Padrão
let the cat out of the bag
Estrutura central
let the cat out of the bag
Slots de substituição
none
Colocados típicos
- secret
- surprise
- truth
- news
- plan
Substituições comuns
- spill the beans (more deliberate)
- blow the secret
Erros comuns
Learners may literalize the phrase or use it with incorrect verbs like 'throw' or 'release'
Similar / contraste
spill the beans, let slip, blurt out, keep quiet
Interferências
Learners whose L1 has no equivalent idiom may translate literally, leading to confusion or absurdity
Família do chunk
- spill the beans
- blurt out
- let slip
Nuance
Informal and slightly playful; implies the revelation was unintentional
Efeito pragmático
Signals a breach of trust or confidentiality, often with mild surprise or humor
Dica de memória
Accidental secret reveal
Nota
This idiom is often used in casual conversations to describe an unintentional disclosure of information. It is considered a high-frequency idiom and is essential for learners to understand and use in both spoken and written English.
Upgrade path
disclose confidential information
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