What does “Skeleton in the closet” mean?

"Skeleton in the closet" means a shameful or embarrassing secret that someone wants to keep hidden.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He has a skeleton in the closet that could ruin his career.

Example

She discovered her husband's skeleton in the closet when she found out about his hidden gambling addiction.

Example

The politician's skeleton in the closet was revealed during the scandal

Is “Skeleton in the closet” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Skeleton in 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 “Skeleton in the closet” effectively in context?

You can use "Skeleton in the Closet" to refer to a shameful or embarrassing secret that someone wants to keep hidden. It is often used in a figurative sense to describe a hidden past or a secret that could potentially ruin someone's reputation. For example, if someone has a dark secret from their past that they don't want others to know about, you might say, 'He has a skeleton in the closet that could ruin his career.'

1Personal Life
She discovered her husband's skeleton in the closet when she found out about his hidden gambling addiction.
2Politics
The politician's skeleton in the closet was revealed during the scandal.
3Professional Life
He has a skeleton in the closet that could jeopardize his chances of getting a promotion.

Similar phrases to “Skeleton in the closet”:

Dirty laundry

Embarrassing or shameful secrets or information about someone

Example

He didn't want his dirty laundry aired in public, so he kept his secrets hidden.

Open a can of worms

To create a complicated or difficult situation by uncovering or discussing a sensitive topic

Example

Bringing up that issue will definitely open a can of worms.

Pandora's box

A source of unforeseen trouble or complications

Example

Once you start investigating, it could open Pandora's box.

Tip of the iceberg

A small, visible part of a much larger problem or issue

Example

The financial losses were just the tip of the iceberg.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Skeleton in the closet” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Skeleton in the Closet" is unknown. It is believed to have originated in the early 19th century and refers to a hidden secret that someone wants to keep concealed, much like a literal skeleton hidden in a closet.

Is “Skeleton in the closet” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Skeleton in the Closet" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to refer to hidden secrets or embarrassing pasts that someone wants to keep concealed.

What tone does “Skeleton in the closet” have?

"Skeleton in the Closet" conveys a tone of secrecy and potential shame. It is often used to describe a serious or sensitive topic that someone wants to hide from others.

Can “Skeleton in the closet” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Skeleton in the Closet" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts, such as personal conversations, professional discussions, or even in written communication.

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 has a skeleton in the closet that could ruin his reputation.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I hope there are no skeletons in your closet!' to imply the absence of hidden secrets.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

dark secret
hidden shame
closeted secret
buried secret
secret past