What does “The Cat Is Out of the Bag” mean?
"The Cat Is Out of the Bag" means that the secret has been revealed or the truth has been exposed.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I can't believe the cat is out of the bag about the surprise party.
Example
Once the cat is out of the bag, there's no going back.
Example
Everyone was shocked when the cat was out of the bag about the scandal
Is “The Cat Is Out of the Bag” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“The Cat Is Out of the Bag” 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 “The Cat Is Out of the Bag” effectively in context?
You can use "The Cat Is Out of the Bag" when a secret or hidden truth has been revealed. It implies that the information is no longer confidential and everyone is now aware of it. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this idiom:
- 1Surprise
I can't believe the cat is out of the bag about the surprise party.
- 2Irreversibility
Once the cat is out of the bag, there's no going back.
- 3Scandal
Everyone was shocked when the cat was out of the bag about the scandal.
Similar phrases to “The Cat Is Out of the Bag”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “The Cat Is Out of the Bag” come from?
The origin of the phrase "The Cat Is Out of the Bag" is unknown. There are a few theories about its origin, but none have been proven. One theory suggests that it comes from the practice of fraudulently selling pigs. Sellers would put a cat in a bag instead of a pig, and if the buyer didn't check the bag before purchasing, they would only discover the deception when the cat was let out of the bag. Another theory suggests that the phrase comes from medieval markets, where merchants would sell live animals. Sometimes, a dishonest merchant would replace an expensive animal, such as a pig, with a cheaper one, like a cat, and the deception would be revealed when the cat was released from the bag.
Is “The Cat Is Out of the Bag” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "The Cat Is Out of the Bag" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where a secret or hidden truth has been revealed.
What tone does “The Cat Is Out of the Bag” have?
"The Cat Is Out of the Bag" conveys a tone of surprise or shock. It's often used when something unexpected or previously unknown is exposed.
Can “The Cat Is Out of the Bag” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "The Cat Is Out of the Bag" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes the revelation of a secret or hidden truth. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional writing.
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, 'I can't believe the cat is out of the bag about the surprise party.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Well, the "cat is out of the bag"!' to imply that a secret has been revealed.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- reveal the truth
- expose the secret
- unveil the mystery
- disclose the information
- lay bare the facts
Antonyms
- keep under wraps
- hide the truth
- conceal the secret
- maintain confidentiality
- cover up
