How Do You Spell SKELETON IN THE CLOSET?

Pronunciation: [skˈɛlɪtən ɪnðə klˈɒzɪt] (IPA)

The phrase "skeleton in the closet" refers to a hidden secret that could potentially harm someone's reputation. The spelling of "skeleton" might seem unusual as it's pronounced differently than it's spelled. The correct pronunciation is /ˈskɛlɪtn/ (SKEL-i-tn) with stress on the first syllable. The "-eton" ending is pronounced like "i-tn" instead of "ee-ton." It originated from the concept of literally hiding a skeleton in a closet, which could represent a shameful or scandalous past. Despite its unusual spelling, the phrase is commonly used in English idiomatic expressions.

SKELETON IN THE CLOSET Meaning and Definition

1. "Skeleton in the closet" is an idiomatic expression that refers to a secretive or hidden shameful secret or embarrassing truth about someone or something. The term "skeleton" symbolizes a hidden, dark secret, often with negative connotations, while "in the closet" implies the secretive nature of the information or aspect being concealed.

   The phrase is typically used to describe an undisclosed personal or professional secret that could prove damaging to an individual's reputation, career, or relationships if exposed or revealed to others. It emphasizes that the secret is buried deep within a person's past or within the confines of their private life, akin to a skeleton stored away in a closet.

   The skeleton often pertains to past misdeeds, scandals, or actions that an individual wishes to keep hidden or forgotten. It can also relate to embarrassing incidents or information that might affect one’s public image or personal relationships if revealed. This idiom is commonly used in casual conversation, literature, and media to allude to someone's hidden flaws or the concealed aspects of an organization or relationship.

   Overall, "skeleton in the closet" captures the notion of a secret or hidden truth that, if exposed, could lead to shame, embarrassment, or negative consequences. It highlights the fear and desire of individuals to keep aspects of their past or personal lives concealed from others.

Common Misspellings for SKELETON IN THE CLOSET

• akeleton in the closet
• zkeleton in the closet
• xkeleton in the closet
• dkeleton in the closet
• ekeleton in the closet
• wkeleton in the closet
• sjeleton in the closet
• smeleton in the closet
• sleleton in the closet
• soeleton in the closet
• sieleton in the closet
• skwleton in the closet
• sksleton in the closet
• skdleton in the closet
• skrleton in the closet
• sk4leton in the closet
• sk3leton in the closet
• skeketon in the closet
• skepeton in the closet
• skeoeton in the closet

Idioms with the word SKELETON IN THE CLOSET

• a skeleton in the closet The idiom "a skeleton in the closet" refers to a shameful or embarrassing secret that a person or an organization has hidden or kept secret from others. It implies the existence of something potentially damaging or scandalous that is concealed or suppressed from public knowledge.
• skeleton in the closet A hidden and shameful secret or embarrassing fact that someone tries to keep hidden from others.