DIRTY LINEN Meaning and
Definition
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Dirty linen refers to personal or private matters, especially those that are embarrassing, scandalous, or shameful, which are typically kept concealed from others. The phrase "dirty linen" is metaphorical, deriving from the idea of personal garments, such as underwear or bedsheets, that become soiled and require cleaning.
In a literal sense, dirty linen refers to laundry that is soiled or stained and needs to be washed. However, in a figurative sense, the term is commonly used to describe secrets, scandals, or issues that are typically kept hidden from public view. It implies information of a sensitive nature, often related to one's personal life, relationships, or actions that could be damaging if exposed.
Dirty linen is frequently associated with gossip and rumors, as it often involves disclosing unsavory or embarrassing details about someone's life. It is a metaphorical representation of an individual's vulnerable side, revealing weaknesses, mistakes, or moral flaws.
The phrase may be used in various contexts, including in discussions about personal relationships, political scandals, celebrities' private lives, or ethics in professional settings. It serves as a cautionary reminder of the consequences that may arise if one's dirty linen is publicly aired, as it can lead to reputational damage or social repercussions.
Common Misspellings for DIRTY LINEN
- sirty linen
- xirty linen
- cirty linen
- firty linen
- rirty linen
- eirty linen
- durty linen
- djrty linen
- dkrty linen
- dorty linen
- d9rty linen
- d8rty linen
- diety linen
- didty linen
- difty linen
- ditty linen
- di5ty linen
- di4ty linen
- dirry linen
- dirfy linen
Etymology of DIRTY LINEN
The etymology of the phrase "dirty linen" can be traced back to the Middle Ages. In those times, people did not have easy access to laundromats or washing machines, so they had to wash their clothes and linens manually. In order to dry them, they would hang their garments outside on clotheslines.
However, when it rained, the clothes would get wet and become dirty again. So, it was common for people to wait for a sunny day to wash and hang their linens. This practice led to the phrase "dirty linen", which referred to the clothes or linens that were dirty and waiting to be washed.
Over time, the term "dirty linen" started to be used metaphorically to describe any kind of personal or private matters that were not meant to be publicly discussed.
Idioms with the word DIRTY LINEN
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wash dirty linen in public
The idiom "wash dirty linen in public" means to discuss or reveal private or embarrassing matters or disputes in a public or open setting, rather than resolving them privately. It implies airing one's personal issues or conflicts for others to see or criticize, usually resulting in further embarrassment or damage to one's reputation.
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Do not wash your dirty linen in public.
The idiom "Do not wash your dirty linen in public" is used to advise someone against discussing or revealing their personal problems or issues in a public or inappropriate setting. It suggests that one should keep their private matters confidential and not involve others in their personal affairs or disputes.
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wash one's dirty linen in public
The idiom "wash one's dirty linen in public" means to publicly discuss or reveal private or embarrassing matters or secrets that should remain confidential. It refers to airing one's personal grievances, problems, or disputes in a public setting, often causing unnecessary embarrassment or discomfort to oneself or others involved.
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wash your dirty linen in public
The idiom "wash your dirty linen in public" means to discuss or expose personal or private matters, especially those that are embarrassing or scandalous, openly and without discretion, often to the detriment of one's reputation or relationships.
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(one) does not wash (one's) dirty linen in public
The idiomatic expression "does not wash one's dirty linen in public" means to avoid discussing or revealing private or embarrassing matters, especially personal conflicts or problems, in a public or inappropriate setting. It implies the importance of maintaining dignity, discretion, and resolving issues privately rather than making them known to others.
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air your dirty linen in public
The idiom "air your dirty linen in public" means to publicly discuss or reveal private or embarrassing information or problems that should be kept confidential. It refers to exposing personal issues, secrets, or conflicts to others who are not involved, often leading to shame or an unseemly display of one's personal matters.
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air one's dirty linen in public
To "air one's dirty linen in public" means to expose or discuss private or embarrassing matters or secrets publicly, particularly those that would be better kept private. It refers to the act of revealing negative or shameful information about oneself or others in a public setting without considering the potential harm or consequences.
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air dirty linen in public
The idiom "air dirty linen in public" means to openly discuss or reveal private or embarrassing matters or secrets in a public setting, rather than keeping them confidential. It implies that someone is exposing personal or sensitive information that should be kept private, causing discomfort or embarrassment to involved parties.
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dirty linen
Dirty linen is an idiom that refers to someone's private or embarrassing secrets or problems that should be kept hidden from others. It can also refer to personal matters or issues that are best kept within a family or close-knit group.
Similar spelling words for DIRTY LINEN
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