"secrets" idioms...
See also, a list of phrases that relate in some way to the word secrets
" A skeleton in the closet (or cupboard) "
Meaning:
A secret and possibly ruinous source of shame.
Example:
No one in the family ever talked about Grandad being convicted of child abuse. It was the skeleton in our closet.
Where did it originate?:
The United Kingdom.
Where is it used?:
Worldwide, although the British now use ’cupboard’ and the USA still uses ’closet’.
Hear the idiom spoken:
" Hear it on the grapevine "
Meaning:
Hear rumors about something from an anonymous informal contact.
Example:
The girls in the dorm were talking and I heard it on the grapevine that Judy is pregnant.
Where did it originate?:
USA
Where is it used?:
Hear the idiom spoken:
" Let the cat out of the bag "
Meaning:
Share a secret that wasn't intended to be shared.
Example:
I thought Mom already knew Jenny was pregnant. She was furious when I mentioned her pre-natal check and let the cat out of the bag.
Where did it originate?:
Where is it used?:
Hear the idiom spoken:
" Off the record "
Meaning:
Something said in confidence that the one speaking doesn't want repeated.
Example:
The minister won't talk to reporters since his last off the record briefing got into the papers.
Where did it originate?:
Where is it used?:
Hear the idiom spoken:
" Straight from the horses mouth "
Meaning:
Heard from the authoritative source.
Example:
There's going to be an election in May. My sister is the Prime Ministers secretary so I got that straight from the horses mouth.
Where did it originate?:
Uncertain origin, probably 20th century
USA. Where is it used?:
Hear the idiom spoken:
