What does “Come Out of the Closet” mean?
"Come Out of the Closet" means to reveal or make public one's true identity, beliefs, or preferences, especially when they were previously kept secret or hidden.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After years of hiding, he finally decided to come out of the closet and be true to himself.
Example
She was nervous about coming out of the closet to her conservative family.
Example
The celebrity's coming out of the closet was met with overwhelming support from fans
Is “Come Out of the Closet” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Come Out of the Closet” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Come Out of the Closet” effectively in context?
You can use "Come Out of the Closet" to describe someone revealing their true identity, beliefs, or preferences, especially when they were previously kept secret or hidden. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this phrase effectively:
- 1Personal Identity
After years of hiding, he finally decided to come out of the closet and be true to himself.
- 2Family
She was nervous about coming out of the closet to her conservative family.
- 3Public Figure
The celebrity's coming out of the closet was met with overwhelming support from fans.
Similar phrases to “Come Out of the Closet”:
Open up
To reveal or share something personal or private
Example
She finally opened up about her struggles with mental health.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Come Out of the Closet” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Come Out of the Closet" is believed to have originated in the LGBTQ+ community in the mid-20th century. The closet metaphor refers to hiding one's true identity or sexual orientation, often due to societal pressure or fear of discrimination. Coming out of the closet means revealing one's true self and being open about their identity.
Is “Come Out of the Closet” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Come Out of the Closet" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. It is also known and understood by many people outside of the community as well.
What tone does “Come Out of the Closet” have?
"Come Out of the Closet" conveys a tone of bravery, self-acceptance, and honesty. It is often used to express support and encouragement for individuals who are revealing their true selves.
Can “Come Out of the Closet” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "come out of the closet" can be used in both informal and formal settings. While it originated in a specific context, it has become more widely used and accepted. It can be used in personal conversations, discussions, and even in professional settings when appropriate.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He decided to come out of the closet and tell his friends about his true identity.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'It's time to "come out of the closet"!' to imply readiness to reveal something important.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- reveal oneself
- declare one's true self
- be open about one's identity
- embrace one's true self
- expose one's true self
Antonyms
- stay in the closet
- remain hidden
- keep one's true self secret
- conceal one's identity
