The phrase "lets the cat out of the bag" is spelled using the English alphabet, but the spelling can be tricky due to irregular pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /lɛts ðə kæt aʊt ʌv ðə bæɡ/. This phrase means to reveal a secret or a surprise prematurely. It is believed to have originated from a practice of fraudulent salesmen who would sell pigs in bags, but would secretly switch them out for cats. If the cat was revealed before the sale, it would ruin the scam.
To let the cat out of the bag is an idiomatic expression that refers to inadvertently revealing a secret or disclosing confidential information that was meant to be kept concealed. This phrase is commonly used to describe situations in which someone unintentionally exposes the truth, causing the information to become public knowledge.
The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the practice of dishonest farmers, who would sell piglets in bags, deceitfully claiming they were piglets, but actually they were selling cats. If buyers were unaware of the deceit, they would only discover the truth when they opened the bag and "let the cat out." Therefore, letting the cat out of the bag figuratively denotes the revelation of a hidden truth or secret.
The expression is often used in a negative context, emphasizing the notion of carelessness or thoughtlessness when discussing sensitive matters. It denotes a situation where a person unintentionally discloses confidential information that may lead to various consequences, such as embarrassment, disappointment, or loss of trust. This idiom is widely used in everyday conversations and can be applied in various scenarios, whether in personal relationships, professional settings, or even in politics and media.