How Do You Spell LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG?

Pronunciation: [lˈɛt ðə kˈat ˌa͡ʊtəv ðə bˈaɡ] (IPA)

"Let the cat out of the bag" is a common idiom that means to reveal a secret. The spelling of this phrase is straightforward, with each word being pronounced as they are spelled: /lɛt ðə kæt aʊt əv ðə bæɡ/. The "e" in "let" is pronounced as "eh" and the "a" in "bag" is pronounced as "ae". The phrase likely originated from a practice of deceiving others by substituting a cheaper animal, such as a cat, for a more expensive one, like a pig, before revealing the deceit.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Idioms
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LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG Meaning and Definition

  1. Let the cat out of the bag is an idiomatic expression that refers to the act of revealing a secret or disclosing previously confidential information, usually unintentionally. The origins of this phrase can be traced back to medieval markets, where traders would often sell live animals like piglets or rabbits. It was common for dishonest vendors to replace the valuable animal with a less valuable one, such as a cat, and then secretly hand it over to the buyer in a bag. If the buyer discovered the deception before opening the bag, they would have "let the cat out of the bag" and that would reveal the scam.

    In its modern usage, the phrase signifies the inadvertent revelation of concealed information, often causing surprise or disappointment. It implies the act of unintentionally exposing a secret, which was meant to be kept hidden. This expression can be used in various contexts, such as personal relationships, business transactions, or political affairs. For example, a person might let the cat out of the bag by accidentally revealing a surprise party, disclosing confidential company plans, or unintentionally spilling the beans on a hidden agenda.

    Overall, "let the cat out of the bag" is a popular phrase that vividly illustrates the idea of unintentionally exposing a secret or confidential information, drawing upon the imagery of an animal being unexpectedly released from its concealed location.

Common Misspellings for LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG

  • ket the cat out of the bag
  • pet the cat out of the bag
  • oet the cat out of the bag
  • lwt the cat out of the bag
  • lst the cat out of the bag
  • ldt the cat out of the bag
  • lrt the cat out of the bag
  • l4t the cat out of the bag
  • l3t the cat out of the bag
  • ler the cat out of the bag
  • lef the cat out of the bag
  • leg the cat out of the bag
  • ley the cat out of the bag
  • le6 the cat out of the bag
  • le5 the cat out of the bag
  • let rhe cat out of the bag
  • let fhe cat out of the bag
  • let ghe cat out of the bag
  • let yhe cat out of the bag
  • let 6he cat out of the bag

Idioms with the word LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG

  • let the cat out of the bag The idiom "let the cat out of the bag" means to reveal a secret or disclose confidential information.