The phrase "skeleton in closet" is commonly misspelled as "skeletons in the closet." The correct spelling is "skeleton in closet," with no "s" after "skeleton." The word "skeleton" is pronounced /ˈskɛl.ɪ.tən/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The phrase refers to a shameful or embarrassing secret someone is trying to keep hidden. The term "closet" refers to a private room where personal belongings are stored. Together, the phrase implies there is a hidden secret about a person's past that they don't want anyone to know.
The phrase "skeleton in the closet" refers to a secret or embarrassing aspect of someone's past that they would prefer to keep hidden from others. The metaphorical "skeleton" represents a hidden or shameful truth that, if revealed, could potentially have negative repercussions on a person's reputation, social standing, or personal relationships. The connotation of a "closet" suggests that this secret has been carefully concealed and locked away.
This expression often implies a sense of shame or guilt and can relate to various aspects of an individual's life, such as past criminal activities, unethical behavior, personal failures, or hidden personal issues. The secrecy surrounding these "skeletons" typically results from fear of judgment, loss of trust, or damage to one's reputation. People may go to great lengths to ensure that their skeletons remain hidden, as exposure could have significant consequences on their personal or professional life.
The idiom is commonly used in a figurative sense to describe hidden secrets rather than actual skeletons in literal closets. It emphasizes the notion that everyone has aspects of their past they would rather keep undisclosed. The phrase is often used in storytelling, gossip, or personal conversations to suggest that one person knows sensitive information about another, creating an atmosphere of suspense or intrigue.