Let the Cat Out of the Bag – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever accidentally told someone a surprise they weren’t supposed to know yet? Maybe you mentioned a birthday party, a gift, or a big announcement before the right time. In English, we say you let the cat out of the bag! This fun idiom is used when a secret is revealed—usually by mistake.
What Does “Let the Cat Out of the Bag” Mean?
“Let the cat out of the bag” means to accidentally reveal a secret or surprise. Think of it like this: you’re holding onto a hidden surprise (the “cat”), and suddenly it jumps out where everyone can see it! The phrase isn’t literal—no cats or bags are involved. It’s just a playful way to talk about spilling a secret.
When to Use It
Use this idiom in casual conversations with friends, family, or coworkers when someone shares a secret too soon. It’s common when talking about parties, gifts, announcements, or plans that were meant to stay hidden. This phrase is informal, so it’s best for relaxed, everyday chats—not formal writing or serious meetings.
Example Sentences
- I wasn’t supposed to tell her about the engagement, but I let the cat out of the bag!
- He let the cat out of the bag about the surprise vacation.
- Don’t say anything—unless you want to let the cat out of the bag!
- Oops! I guess I just let the cat out of the bag about your promotion.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “Why did you tell Sam about the baby shower? It’s supposed to be a surprise!”
Jamie: “I didn’t mean to! I accidentally let the cat out of the bag when we were talking about weekend plans.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t take the phrase literally—it has nothing to do with real cats or bags! Saying “I opened the bag and a cat ran out” won’t make sense in this context.
❌ Don’t say: “I saw a cat jump out of your grocery bag—did you let it out?”
✅ Do say: “I can’t believe you let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party!”
Practice Tip
Think of a recent secret or surprise you knew. Imagine someone revealing it by accident—and say out loud: “Oh no, they let the cat out of the bag!”
Final Note
Now you know how to use “let the cat out of the bag” in real conversations! It’s a lighthearted way to talk about accidental reveals. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll use it naturally—just like a native speaker.