OPEN SECRET Meaning and
Definition
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An "open secret" refers to information or knowledge about a particular fact, event, or situation that is widely known or understood by a significant number of people, despite not being officially acknowledged or openly discussed by those involved. It pertains to a situation where something is known by many individuals, but, for various reasons, it is not openly spoken about or acknowledged publicly.
This term is often used in situations where the information in question is controversial, sensitive, or potentially damaging if disclosed openly. Despite its unspoken nature, an open secret may be discussed privately among individuals within a close circle or a specific community. The understanding and familiarity with the secret often extend beyond just a select few, making it widely acknowledged and commonly known, although no formal steps are taken to officially confirm or recognize it.
Open secrets can occur in various settings, including businesses, politics, entertainment industries, or even within smaller communities such as neighborhoods or schools. In some cases, individuals may be aware of an open secret but are hesitant to openly discuss it due to personal or professional repercussions, maintaining a silent agreement to protect those involved. It is worth noting that the term does not necessarily imply that the secret is intentionally concealed or hidden, but rather that it is widely known despite not being publicly acknowledged.
Common Misspellings for OPEN SECRET
- ipen secret
- kpen secret
- lpen secret
- ppen secret
- 0pen secret
- 9pen secret
- ooen secret
- olen secret
- o-en secret
- o0en secret
- opwn secret
- opsn secret
- opdn secret
- oprn secret
- op4n secret
- op3n secret
- opeb secret
- opem secret
- opej secret
Etymology of OPEN SECRET
The etymology of the phrase "open secret" can be traced back to the individual meanings of its constituent words.
1. Open: The word "open" comes from the Old English word "opn", which means not closed or not concealed. It has its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "opana" and Proto-Indo-European root "upo", meaning uncovered or exposed.
2. Secret: The word "secret" originates from the Latin word "secretus", derived from the verb "secernere", which means to set apart or separate. It refers to something concealed, hidden, or not known by others.
The combination of these words in the phrase "open secret" creates a paradoxical expression, as it implies that something is both openly acknowledged and yet not universally known or discussed.
Idioms with the word OPEN SECRET
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be an open secret
The idiom "be an open secret" refers to something that is widely known or understood, despite not being officially acknowledged or publicly discussed. It implies that even though information or knowledge is not officially disclosed, it is commonly understood or recognized by most people.
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an open secret
The idiom "an open secret" refers to a fact or information that is widely known or understood by many people, even though it is not publicly acknowledged or discussed. It implies that although the information is not explicitly stated or declared openly, it is still commonly known or accepted by a large number of individuals.
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open secret
"Open secret" is an idiom that refers to something that is widely known or understood, even though it is supposed to be a secret.
Similar spelling words for OPEN SECRET
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