What does “Kiss and tell” mean?
"Kiss and tell" means to reveal private or confidential information, especially about a romantic or sexual encounter.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He's known for kiss and tell stories about his exes.
Example
She promised not to kiss and tell about their night together.
Example
The tabloids are always looking for celebrities to kiss and tell
Is “Kiss and tell” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Kiss and tell” 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 “Kiss and tell” effectively in context?
You can use "Kiss and Tell" to refer to someone who shares private or confidential information, especially about a romantic or sexual encounter. It implies that the person is betraying the trust of their partner by revealing intimate details to others. For example, if a friend starts gossiping about their recent date and sharing explicit details, you might say, 'Wow, she really loves to "kiss and tell".'
- 1Relationships
He's known for kiss and tell stories about his exes.
- 2Promises
She promised not to kiss and tell about their night together.
- 3Media
The tabloids are always looking for celebrities to kiss and tell.
Similar phrases to “Kiss and tell”:
A person who cannot keep a secret and tends to reveal confidential information
Example
He's such a blabbermouth, always telling everyone everything.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Kiss and tell” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Kiss and Tell" can be traced back to the early 18th century. It was originally used to describe a person who would reveal intimate details about their romantic or sexual encounters, often for personal gain or to seek attention.
Is “Kiss and tell” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Kiss and Tell" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation, especially in the context of relationships and gossip. People often use it to criticize someone who reveals private or intimate information about others without their consent.
What tone does “Kiss and tell” have?
"Kiss and Tell" conveys a tone of betrayal and gossip. It's often used to express disapproval or to highlight someone's lack of discretion and respect for privacy.
Can “Kiss and tell” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "kiss and tell" can be used in both informal and formal settings. However, it is more commonly used in casual conversations and informal contexts, such as among friends or in tabloid journalism.
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 promised not to kiss and tell about their night together.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Don't "kiss and tell"!' to imply the importance of keeping secrets.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- reveal secrets
- expose private information
- betray confidence
- gossip about
Antonyms
- keep secrets
- respect privacy
- maintain confidentiality
- be discreet
