Signification
Something known by many but not officially declared.
Contexte culturel
In small communities, 'κοινό μυστικό' is a survival mechanism. It allows people to avoid direct confrontation while still being aware of social boundaries. Journalists use this phrase to report on things they cannot legally prove yet but are widely accepted as true. In cities like Athens, it's used for 'underground' spots or trends that are supposed to be 'cool and hidden' but are actually very popular. Greeks often use this to express solidarity against management, acknowledging shared frustrations that aren't voiced in meetings.
Use with 'Αποτελεί'
If you want to sound like a native speaker in a professional setting, use 'Αποτελεί κοινό μυστικό' instead of 'Είναι'.
Don't over-pluralize
Even if there are many people involved, we usually say 'είναι κοινό μυστικό' (singular) to refer to the situation.
Signification
Something known by many but not officially declared.
Use with 'Αποτελεί'
If you want to sound like a native speaker in a professional setting, use 'Αποτελεί κοινό μυστικό' instead of 'Είναι'.
Don't over-pluralize
Even if there are many people involved, we usually say 'είναι κοινό μυστικό' (singular) to refer to the situation.
The Smirk
When saying this in person, a small knowing smile or a raised eyebrow usually accompanies the phrase to signal you're 'in' on it.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Ήταν ______ μυστικό ότι η εταιρεία θα έκλεινε.
In Greek, the correct adjective for this idiom is 'κοινό'.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a formal context?
Choose the best option:
'Αποτελεί' is the formal verb used with this idiom in professional/journalistic Greek.
Match the situation to the most appropriate use of the phrase.
Situation: Two celebrities are seen together every day but deny they are a couple.
This is the classic use case: a known truth that is officially denied.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Πιστεύεις ότι ο Κώστας ξέρει για το πάρτι έκπληξη; Β: Μα, __________________! Τον είδα να αγοράζει τούρτα.
The context implies that the 'surprise' is no longer a surprise to anyone.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΉταν ______ μυστικό ότι η εταιρεία θα έκλεινε.
In Greek, the correct adjective for this idiom is 'κοινό'.
Choose the best option:
'Αποτελεί' is the formal verb used with this idiom in professional/journalistic Greek.
Situation: Two celebrities are seen together every day but deny they are a couple.
This is the classic use case: a known truth that is officially denied.
Α: Πιστεύεις ότι ο Κώστας ξέρει για το πάρτι έκπληξη; Β: Μα, __________________! Τον είδα να αγοράζει τούρτα.
The context implies that the 'surprise' is no longer a surprise to anyone.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot necessarily, but it often implies a lack of transparency or a bit of gossip. It can be used for positive surprises that everyone already knows about too.
No, that's a literal translation from English. Greeks will understand you, but it's not the natural idiom.
Yes, especially if you use 'αποτελεί'. It's very common in Greek journalism.
An 'επτασφράγιστο μυστικό' (a seven-sealed secret), which is something truly hidden and known by almost no one.
It's optional. 'Είναι κοινό μυστικό' and 'Είναι ένα κοινό μυστικό' are both correct, but omitting the article is more common.
Yes! 'Το κοινό μυστικό για καλό μουσακά είναι η κανέλα.' (The open secret for good moussaka is cinnamon.)
Yes, it is standard across all Greek-speaking regions.
No, you use it for a *fact* about a person. You don't say 'He is a common secret,' but 'His secret is common.'
You can say 'Δεν είναι πια μυστικό' or 'Έγινε κοινό μυστικό'.
No, it's a standard idiom used by all age groups and social classes.
Expressions liées
το ξέρουν και οι πέτρες
similarEveryone knows it (even the stones)
δημοσίως γνωστό
synonymPublicly known
κρυφό καμάρι
contrastHidden pride
έγινε βούκινο
builds onIt became a trumpet blast
