Meanings
(Mid-1700s) The inverse of the idiom pig in a poke. If a dishonest merchant tries to sell a cat as a pig and the cat comes out or is taken out of the bag, the merchant's secret is disclosed.[1][2]
How to pronounce "let the cat out of the bag":
AU
To disclose a secret; to let a secret be known, often inadvertently.
Example: "It was going to be a surprise party until someone let the cat out of the bag."
Example Sentences
1
I can't believe you let the cat out of the bag about our surprise party!
2
Don't let the cat out of the bag, but I heard Sarah is getting a promotion.
3
We were trying to keep it a secret, but someone let the cat out of the bag.
4
I accidentally let the cat out of the bag when I mentioned the vacation plans.
5
He let the cat out of the bag by revealing our winning strategy to the opposing team.
