What does “Don't wash your dirty laundry in public” mean?

"Don't wash your dirty laundry in public" means that you should not discuss private or embarrassing matters in public.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I can't believe she aired all her dirty laundry in public.

Example

He's always washing his dirty laundry in public, it's so embarrassing.

Example

It's important to remember not to wash your dirty laundry in public

Is “Don't wash your dirty laundry in public” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Don't wash your dirty laundry in public” 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 “Don't wash your dirty laundry in public” effectively in context?

You can use "Don't wash your dirty laundry in public" to advise someone not to discuss private or embarrassing matters in public. It emphasizes the need for discretion and maintaining a certain level of privacy. For example, if a friend starts sharing personal details about their relationship problems in a crowded restaurant, you might say, 'Hey, let's not wash our dirty laundry in public.'

1Relationships
She shouldn't have aired all her dirty laundry in public. It's better to keep personal matters private.
2Work
He's always washing his dirty laundry in public by complaining about his colleagues. It's unprofessional and creates a negative work environment.
3Family Matters
It's important to remember not to wash your dirty laundry in public. Keep family conflicts within the family.

Similar phrases to “Don't wash your dirty laundry in public”:

Keep it under wraps

To keep something secret or private

Example

Let's keep this between us and keep it under wraps.

Sweep it under the rug

To hide or ignore a problem or issue instead of addressing it

Example

They decided to sweep the issue under the rug instead of dealing with it.

Close ranks

To come together and protect each other, especially in a difficult or challenging situation

Example

When faced with criticism, the team closed ranks and defended their actions.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Don't wash your dirty laundry in public” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Don't wash your dirty laundry in public" is unknown.

Is “Don't wash your dirty laundry in public” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Don't wash your dirty laundry in public" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to remind others to maintain privacy and avoid discussing personal or embarrassing matters in public.

What tone does “Don't wash your dirty laundry in public” have?

"Don't wash your dirty laundry in public" conveys a tone of caution and discretion. It's often used to remind someone to be mindful of what they share with others and to keep personal matters private.

Can “Don't wash your dirty laundry in public” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Don't wash your dirty laundry in public" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of maintaining privacy and avoiding unnecessary disclosure. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She shouldn't have aired all her dirty laundry in public.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, don't wash your dirty laundry in public!' to remind someone to be discreet.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

keep mum
keep it hush-hush
maintain confidentiality
keep it to yourself
stay tight-lipped

Antonyms

air your dirty laundry
share openly
be transparent
discuss publicly
reveal secrets