Meaning
To accidentally or intentionally reveal a secret.
Cultural Background
Very common in casual conversation. Often used in workplace gossip or family settings. Widely understood and used, though 'let the cat out of the bag' is also very popular. Used in the same way as in the US, often in a friendly, informal tone. Standard usage, identical to American English.
Context is key
Only use this in informal settings. It sounds very strange in a business meeting.
Don't translate literally
If you say 'I spilled the beans' in a kitchen, people will think you dropped food!
Meaning
To accidentally or intentionally reveal a secret.
Context is key
Only use this in informal settings. It sounds very strange in a business meeting.
Don't translate literally
If you say 'I spilled the beans' in a kitchen, people will think you dropped food!
Use it for surprises
It's the perfect idiom for when a surprise party or gift is ruined.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
I didn't mean to tell her, but I accidentally ______.
The idiom is 'spill the beans'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Choose the correct sentence.
The other options are either not the correct idiom, too formal, or grammatically incorrect.
Match the idiom to its meaning.
Spill the beans
The idiom means to disclose information.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Did you tell everyone about the engagement?' B: 'Yes, I ______.'
This fits the context of revealing news.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI didn't mean to tell her, but I accidentally ______.
The idiom is 'spill the beans'.
Choose the correct sentence.
The other options are either not the correct idiom, too formal, or grammatically incorrect.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
The idiom means to disclose information.
A: 'Did you tell everyone about the engagement?' B: 'Yes, I ______.'
This fits the context of revealing news.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it is too informal. Use 'disclose' instead.
Usually, but it can also be used for a deliberate confession.
Then you just say 'I spilled the beans' literally, but people will likely be confused unless you are holding a bowl of beans!
Yes, it is widely understood in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
No, it is always plural.
It is an idiom, which is slightly different from slang, but it is definitely informal.
You might say 'irse de la lengua'.
It can be, especially if the secret was important.
Yes, it's very common in texting.
To keep a secret or to keep something under wraps.
It depends on the secret, but the phrase itself is just informal.
No, it can be a small secret like a surprise party.
Related Phrases
Let the cat out of the bag
synonymTo reveal a secret
To blab
similarTo talk indiscreetly
To let something slip
similarTo reveal something by accident
Keep it under wraps
contrastTo keep a secret
