Idiom - Let the cat out of the bag

Let the cat out of the bag:

If you let the cat out of the bag, you let someone know a secret.

We'd planned a surprise party for Donna, but some guy she works with let the cat out of the bag, so now she knows.

Don't forget that this is a secret, so whatever you do, don't let the cat out of the bag.

Persian: لو دادن

Origin: Possibly related to the fact that in England in the Middle Ages, piglets were usually sold in bags at markets. Sometimes, someone would try to cheat a buyer by putting a cat in one of the bags instead of a piglet. And if someone let the cat out of the bag, the fraudster's secret was revealed.

Quotes - Nicholas Sparks

Nicholas Sparks:

I'd learned that some things are best kept secret.

Idiom - A little bird told me

A little bird told me:

Said when you don't want reveal the source of your information.

"How did you know the news?" "Oh, a little bird told me."

Idiom - A Skeleton in the Cupboard/Closet

a skeleton in the cupboard/closet:

if you have a skeleton in the cupboard, or in the closet, you have a secret in your past which could damage you if it became known.

before we give you the job, we need to know if you have any skeletons in the cupboard which the press could find out about. things like a criminal record or drug or alcohol problems in the past.

politicians can't afford to have any skeletons in the closet these days. their enemies are sure to find them.

note: "a skeleton in the cupboard" is used in british and australian english while "a skeleton in the closet" is used in american english. the meaning is the same for both.

Idiom - Keep sth under one's Hat

Keep sth under one's Hat:

To keep sth a secret.

I am getting married, but keep it under your hat.

Persian: مخفی نگه داشتن