Secrets play a significant role in communication, adding an element of mystery and intrigue to our interactions. Understanding expressions related to secrets can help you better navigate conversations and recognize when others are hinting at confidential information. Here are 20 essential expressions to enrich your vocabulary and comprehension.
1. Spill the beans
Meaning: Reveal a secret
Example: He accidentally spilled the beans about the surprise party.
2. Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning: Reveal a secret unintentionally
Example: She let the cat out of the bag about his promotion.
3. Keep it under wraps
Meaning: Keep something secret
Example: They kept the project under wraps until the launch.
4. In the loop
Meaning: Informed about a secret
Example: She wants to be in the loop on the plan.
5. Behind closed doors
Meaning: Secretly or privately
Example: The deal was made behind closed doors.
6. Hush-hush
Meaning: Secret and confidential
Example: The meeting was very hush-hush, nobody knew.
7. Skeleton in the closet
Meaning: Hidden and embarrassing secret
Example: Everyone has a skeleton in their closet.
8. Under the radar
Meaning: Not detected, unnoticed
Example: They kept their relationship under the radar.
9. Cloak and dagger
Meaning: Secretive and mysterious
Example: The investigation had a cloak and dagger feel to it.
10. Sweep under the rug
Meaning: Hide something scandalous
Example: They tried to sweep the scandal under the rug.
11. On the down-low
Meaning: Secret and discreet
Example: Keep the information on the down-low.
12. Lock and key
Meaning: Keep very secure
Example: She kept her diary under lock and key.
13. Deep, dark secret
Meaning: Major and hidden secret
Example: He shared his deep, dark secret with her.
14. Off the record
Meaning: Not official or public
Example: He told the journalist off the record.
15. Top secret
Meaning: Highly confidential
Example: The documents were marked as top secret.
16. Slip of the tongue
Meaning: Unintended secret reveal
Example: It was just a slip of the tongue.
17. Blow the whistle
Meaning: Reveal misconduct
Example: She decided to blow the whistle on the fraud.
18. Button one’s lip
Meaning: Keep quiet about something
Example: He buttoned his lip about the surprise.
19. Cover one’s tracks
Meaning: Hide evidence of one’s actions
Example: He tried to cover his tracks after the incident.
20. Under the table
Meaning: Done secretly and often illegally
Example: They made an under-the-table deal.
