Let The Cat Out of The Bag Meaning, Definition, Synonyms

The meaning of the idiom let the cat out of the bag is to reveal a secret unintentionally or by mistake.

The origin of the phrase “let the cat out of the bag” is intriguing. Piglets, chickens, and ducks were bagged for sale throughout the Middle Ages. Some dishonest livestock brokers put cats in sacks instead of the actual animals for sale; the cats were almost the same size and weight, but were thought to be of low worth. Customers who returned home and discovered the secret were said to have “let the cat out of the bag.”

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Usage With Examples

The expression dates back to the 15th century. The first literary source is from “The London Magazine” in 1760. In reality, there are numerous references to the use of this phrase from 1750 to 1770. The idiom “let the cat out of the bag” is used in the following examples.

• I’ve let the cat out of the bag, so there’s no point pretending that this job is going well.
• I’m getting your father new golf clubs for his birthday but please don’t let the cat out of the bag.
• My sister purposefully let the cat out of the bag that I like Tom. He is now avoiding me, and everything is weird.

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Synonyms and Similar Words To Let The Cat Out of The Bag

Mentioned below are the synonyms and similar words to let the cat out of the bag:

• Spill the beans
• Blab
• Reveal
• Disclose
• Bring to light

Let The Cat Out of The Bag Meaning Quiz

I was trying to keep the party a secret, but Ritika went and let the cat out of the bag. What is the meaning of let the cat out of the bag here?

• Hid it well
• Blabbered it out
• Betray

Ans: Blabbered it out

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This was all about the idiom let the cat out of the bag meaning and examples. Hope you understood the concept where it’s used. For more such blogs, follow Leverage Edu.