Secrets
A skeleton in the closet (or cupboard)
Meaning
A secret and possibly ruinous source of shame.
Examples
No one in the family ever talked about Grandad being convicted of child abuse. It was the skeleton in our closet.
Where did it originate?
The United Kingdom.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, although the British now use ’cupboard’ and the USA still uses ’closet’.
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Hear it on the grapevine
Meaning
Hear rumors about something from an anonymous informal contact.
Examples
The girls in the dorm were talking and I heard it on the grapevine that Judy is pregnant.
Where did it originate?
USA
Where is it used?
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Let the cat out of the bag
Meaning
Share a secret that wasn’t intended to be shared.
Examples
I thought Mom already knew Jenny was pregnant. She was furious when I mentioned her pre-natal check and let the cat out of the bag.
Where did it originate?
Britain, 18th century.
Where is it used?
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Off the record
Meaning
Something said in confidence that the one speaking doesn’t want repeated.
Examples
The minister won’t talk to reporters since his last off the record briefing got into the papers.
Where did it originate?
USA, 1930s.
Where is it used?
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Straight from the horses mouth
Meaning
Heard from the authoritative source.
Examples
There’s going to be an election in May. My sister is the Prime Ministers secretary so I got that straight from the horses mouth.
Where did it originate?
Uncertain origin, probably 20th century USA.
Where is it used?
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