THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Let the cat out of the bag
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To reveal a secret before it was meant to be known, often accidentally.
Usage note: keep in mind
Let the cat out of the bag usually describes revealing information that was supposed to remain secret. It often happens accidentally, although context can indicate a deliberate revelation. Use let in both present and past forms.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- He let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party—now it’s ruined!
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
He ________ about the surprise party—now it’s ruined!
Show the answer
Let the cat out of the bag — To reveal a secret before it was meant to be known, often accidentally.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Let the cat out of the bag” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
To reveal a secret before it was meant to be known, often accidentally.
Compare: He let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party—now it’s ruined!
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.
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More ways to understand and use it
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More examples in context
- I let the cat out of the bag when I mentioned the surprise party.
- Don't tell Amir about the present; you might let the cat out of the bag.
Check your understanding
Which fits the idiom better: announcing published exam dates, or accidentally mentioning a secret celebration?
Check your answer
Accidentally mentioning the secret celebration. Public information does not normally involve the secrecy implied by this expression.
Use it in your own words
Write one new situation where let the cat out of the bag fits. Explain the situation in plain English first, then rewrite it using the expression. Check that the tone and meaning suit your audience.