What does “Open secret” mean?
"Open secret" means something that is widely known or understood, but not openly acknowledged or discussed.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Everyone in the office knows about their relationship, it's an open secret.
Example
The company's financial troubles were an open secret in the industry.
Example
It's an open secret that he's been looking for a new job
Is “Open secret” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Open secret” 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 “Open secret” effectively in context?
You can use "Open Secret" to describe something that is widely known or understood, but not openly acknowledged or discussed. It implies that although the information is not officially confirmed, it is common knowledge among a group of people. For example, if everyone in your school knows that two students are dating, but they haven't publicly announced it, you could say, 'Their relationship is an open secret.'
- 1Office Gossip
Everyone in the office knows about their relationship, it's an open secret.
- 2Industry Awareness
The company's financial troubles were an open secret in the industry.
- 3Job Search
It's an open secret that he's been looking for a new job.
Similar phrases to “Open secret”:
Open knowledge
Information that is widely known or understood
Example
The fact that she was leaving the company was open knowledge.
Common knowledge
Information that is widely known or understood by many people
Example
It's common knowledge that smoking is bad for your health.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Open secret” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Open Secret" is unknown.
Is “Open secret” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Open Secret" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe situations where information is widely known or understood, but not openly acknowledged.
What tone does “Open secret” have?
"Open Secret" conveys a tone of knowingness and shared understanding. It suggests that the information being discussed is not a secret to those who are aware of it, but it may not be openly acknowledged or discussed by everyone.
Can “Open secret” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Open Secret" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts, such as casual conversations with friends or more formal discussions in professional settings.
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, 'Everyone in the office knows about their relationship, it's an open secret.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'It's an "open secret"!' to imply that something is widely known.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- public secret
- not-so-secret
- openly known
- undisclosed fact
- unspoken truth
Antonyms
- well-kept secret
- hidden truth
- confidential information
- unknown fact
- unacknowledged knowledge
