DIRTY LAUNDRY Meaning and
Definition
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Dirty laundry refers to clothing, textiles, or other items that have become soiled or stained and are in need of cleaning. The term is often used figuratively to describe embarrassing, shameful, or secretive information or facts about someone that are brought to public attention, exposed, or shared with others. It metaphorically compares these private matters to unclean or stained laundry that is being aired out or made known to others.
In a literal sense, dirty laundry refers to clothes that have not been recently laundered and are visibly unclean, usually due to dirt, stains, or odors. It signifies the need for cleaning or washing in order to restore the items back to a fresh and presentable condition.
Figuratively, dirty laundry addresses personal, sensitive, or potentially damaging information that an individual would rather be kept hidden or undisclosed. It could include scandalous stories, embarrassing secrets, or controversial facts that someone is hesitant to reveal. When someone "air out their dirty laundry," they reveal or expose these concealed facts or issues, often leading to public discussion, judgment, or criticism.
Overall, dirty laundry encompasses both the literal condition of unclean and soiled clothing, as well as the symbolic representation of private and potentially harmful information being revealed or made public.
Common Misspellings for DIRTY LAUNDRY
- sirty laundry
- xirty laundry
- cirty laundry
- firty laundry
- rirty laundry
- eirty laundry
- durty laundry
- djrty laundry
- dkrty laundry
- dorty laundry
- d9rty laundry
- d8rty laundry
- diety laundry
- didty laundry
- difty laundry
- ditty laundry
- di5ty laundry
- di4ty laundry
- dirry laundry
- dirfy laundry
Etymology of DIRTY LAUNDRY
The etymology of the phrase "dirty laundry" is rooted in the literal meaning of the words. "Dirty" originates from the Old English word "dritig", which means "unclean or filthy". "Laundry" comes from the Latin word "lavare", meaning "to wash".
The phrase "dirty laundry" has figuratively evolved to refer to private or embarrassing matters that one would prefer to keep hidden from public view. It metaphorically alludes to the idea of airing one's dirty laundry or personal issues, much like washing dirty clothes, in a public or shared space.
Idioms with the word DIRTY LAUNDRY
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wash one's dirty laundry in public
The idiom "wash one's dirty laundry in public" means to openly discuss or reveal personal or private problems, secrets, or conflicts in a public or inappropriate manner. It implies sharing private matters that should be dealt with discreetly, potentially causing embarrassment or damage to one's reputation.
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wash your dirty laundry in public
The idiom "wash your dirty laundry in public" means to openly discuss or reveal private or embarrassing matters or problems in a public or inappropriate setting. It implies that one is displaying personal issues or conflicts to others, instead of handling them privately and discreetly.
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sm's dirty laundry
The idiom "someone's dirty laundry" refers to private or embarrassing information or secrets about someone that should not be shared publicly. It metaphorically represents the less desirable or shameful aspects of a person's life that they prefer to keep hidden from others.
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air (one's) dirty laundry in public
The idiom "air (one's) dirty laundry in public" means to discuss or publicly reveal private or embarrassing information about oneself or others that should remain confidential, causing embarrassment or harm to those involved. It refers to the act of sharing personal or sensitive matters in a public or inappropriate setting, disregarding the potential negative consequences.
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someone's dirty laundry
The idiom "someone's dirty laundry" refers to private or sensitive information, particularly personal secrets or embarrassing details, that are typically hidden or kept secret but have become known to others, often causing embarrassment, judgment, or scandal. It metaphorically compares intimate personal details to soiled or stained clothing that one prefers to keep hidden or not publicized.
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air your dirty laundry in public
The idiom "air your dirty laundry in public" means to openly discuss or expose private or personal problems, conflicts, or embarrassing information in a public or inappropriate setting.
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wash dirty laundry in public
The idiom "wash dirty laundry in public" means to publicly disclose or discuss personal or private matters, often of a sensitive or scandalous nature, that should ideally be kept private. It implies airing one's grievances or sharing inappropriate information in a public or open setting.
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wash your dirty laundry/linen in public
To discuss private or embarrassing matters in public, to expose personal issues or conflicts to outsiders.
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dirty laundry
The idiom "dirty laundry" refers to personal or private matters or information that should not be shared publicly or discussed with others. It can also refer to shameful or embarrassing secrets or truths.
Similar spelling words for DIRTY LAUNDRY
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