Pronunciation: [spˈɪl ðə bˈiːnz] (IPA) 
The phrase "spill the beans" means to reveal a secret or confidential information. The word "spill" is spelled as /spɪl/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the "s" being pronounced as /s/ and the "i" as /ɪ/. The word "beans" is pronounced as /biːnz/ in IPA, with the "b" pronounced as /b/, the "ee" as /iː/, the "n" as /n/, and the "s" as /z/. Together, the phrase is pronounced as /spɪl ðə biːnz/.
"Spill the beans" is an idiomatic expression that means to unintentionally or purposely reveal a secret or confidential information that was meant to be kept hidden or undisclosed. It implies the act of disclosing details or facts that were previously unknown or meant to be kept private. This phrase is often used when someone divulges information that was supposed to be kept secret, whether it was through accident, carelessness, or purposeful intention.
The origin of this expression is uncertain, but one possible theory suggests that it relates to an ancient voting system where a container of beans was used: white beans symbolizing acquittal and black beans representing condemnation. If someone accidentally knocked over or spilled the container, revealing the beans inside, it would expose the outcome of the vote prematurely. Thus, "spilling the beans" came to signify an inadvertent revelation that exposes hidden truths.
In contemporary usage, "spill the beans" is often used figuratively in casual conversations, storytelling, or gossip scenarios. It can imply the act of revealing sensitive details, highly anticipated news, confidential plans, or personal information that can potentially cause embarrassment, damage relationships, or alter outcomes negatively. Conversely, it can also refer to a positive revelation or an exciting surprise being shared. Therefore, "spill the beans" encompasses various contexts and can be used to describe the inadvertent or intentional disclosure of concealed knowledge or secrets.
