Significado
To accidentally disclose a secret or private information.
Contexto cultural
The phrase is deeply rooted in British naval and market history. It is often linked to the 'cat o' nine tails' whip used for punishment on ships, though the market 'pig in a poke' theory is more widely accepted for this specific idiom. In American business culture, 'letting the cat out of the bag' is often used during product launches or when discussing leaks in Silicon Valley. It's a staple of corporate jargon. Australians use the phrase frequently in casual conversation, often with a self-deprecating tone if they are the ones who made the mistake. Because English is the lingua franca of business, this idiom is one of the most commonly taught to international professionals to ensure they understand when a 'leak' has occurred.
Use the Past Tense
Most of the time, you will use this in the past tense ('I let') because you only realize the mistake after you have said it.
Don't Change the Animal
It is always a cat. Never a dog, bird, or rabbit!
Significado
To accidentally disclose a secret or private information.
Use the Past Tense
Most of the time, you will use this in the past tense ('I let') because you only realize the mistake after you have said it.
Don't Change the Animal
It is always a cat. Never a dog, bird, or rabbit!
The Passive Version
If you want to avoid blaming someone, just say 'The cat is out of the bag now.'
Ponte a prueba
Complete the idiom with the correct words.
I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to let the ___ out of the ___.
The standard idiom is 'let the cat out of the bag.'
Which sentence uses the past tense correctly?
Yesterday, Sarah...
'Let' is an irregular verb; its past tense is also 'let'.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You accidentally tell your brother about his surprise gift.
Revealing a surprise gift is a classic example of this idiom.
What is the most natural response?
A: 'Is it true the company is closing?' B: 'Who ___?'
The speaker is asking who revealed the secret.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Let the Cat Out vs. Spill the Beans
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosI'm so sorry! I didn't mean to let the ___ out of the ___.
The standard idiom is 'let the cat out of the bag.'
Yesterday, Sarah...
'Let' is an irregular verb; its past tense is also 'let'.
You accidentally tell your brother about his surprise gift.
Revealing a surprise gift is a classic example of this idiom.
A: 'Is it true the company is closing?' B: 'Who ___?'
The speaker is asking who revealed the secret.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, it's generally seen as a lighthearted way to describe a mistake. It's much softer than saying 'You lied' or 'You betrayed me.'
Yes! It is very common for surprise parties or pregnancy announcements, which are usually happy secrets.
'Spill the beans' often implies giving away all the details, while 'let the cat out of the bag' is specifically about the initial revelation of the secret itself.
Yes, the idiom is fixed. 'Let a cat out of a bag' would be interpreted literally, not figuratively.
Yes, but usually in internal emails between colleagues. In a formal report to a client, you might choose 'disclosed' instead.
Sometimes people shorten it to 'The cat's out,' but 'I let the cat out' is less common than the full phrase.
German uses the exact same idiom. Most other languages use different metaphors, like 'the tongue' or 'the feet.'
It's better to use 'spill the beans' if it was on purpose. 'Let the cat out' strongly implies it was an accident.
Use 'let' for I/you/we/they and 'lets' for he/she/it in the present tense. But remember, the past tense is always 'let'.
Because cats are hard to catch once they escape! It represents how a secret spreads quickly once told.
Frases relacionadas
Spill the beans
synonymTo reveal a secret.
The cat is out of the bag
similarThe secret is now known.
Keep it under wraps
contrastTo keep something secret.
Give the game away
similarTo reveal a plan or trick.
