The phrase "lets cat out of bag" is commonly misspelled as "let's cat out of the bag", with an apostrophe before the "s" in "let's". However, "let's" is a contraction of "let us" and doesn't belong in this phrase. The correct spelling is "lets cat out of bag". The IPA phonetic transcription for this phrase is /lɛts kæt aʊt ʌv bæg/, with the stress on the first syllable of "let's" and "cat". This phrase means to reveal a secret or to disclose something that was meant to be kept hidden.
To let the cat out of the bag is an idiomatic expression that refers to the act of revealing a secret or disclosing confidential information. The phrase is derived from a situation in which a person accidentally or intentionally discloses information that was supposed to remain hidden.
When someone "lets the cat out of the bag," it means that they have unwittingly exposed hidden or private information, often leading to unintended consequences or the unraveling of a surprise or secret. This expression conveys the idea of sharing information that was meant to be kept under wraps.
The phrase is believed to originate from the practice of fraudsters who would replace valuable pigs with less valuable cats in bags, deceiving unsuspecting buyers. If the cat accidentally escaped from the bag, the fraud would be exposed.
Furthermore, the idiomatic use of "letting the cat out of the bag" extends beyond literal scenarios of secrets being revealed. It can also refer to unintentionally letting an idea slip, revealing someone's true intentions, or disclosing important details prematurely. The phrase conveys the notion of an indiscretion or a breach of secrecy. It captures the essence of disclosing information that should have remained hidden, either deliberately or carelessly, causing unexpected consequences and potentially altering the course of events.