Let the Cat Out of the Bag
If we plan a surprise, we don’t want anyone to let the cat out of the bag.
To let the cat out of the bag means to disclose a secret.
We may reveal the secret:
- Deliberately or by accident
- With words or with actions
We often give enough hints that other people figure out what we mean.
The Phrase Finder lists two possible origins for let the cat out of the bag.
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The most common comes from merchants substituting a cat for a pig.
Methods differed, but scams occurred years ago. When people bought a pig, merchants might put a less valuable cat in the bag. Anyone who reported the deceit let the cat out of the bag. If no one told the truth, the buyer discovered the switch when he opened the bag at home.
A related idiom warns against buying a pig in a poke.
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A less common explanation refers to the cat o’ nine tails.
The cat o’ nine tails was a whip with lashes made from three braided strands of cord. The cords were three braided strands of string. Thus, each lash contained nine strings.
When people were whipped, the cuts from the knotted ends looked similar to cat claw scratches. Although lashes may have been stored in bags, this explanation fails to address secrets.
We need to be careful what we say.
Regardless of the origin, we want to:
- Reveal what needs to be told.
- Guard what needs to stay quiet.
“You spread out our sins before you—our secret sins—and see them all” (Psalm 90:8 TLB).
Thanks to Regina Graham and Tracy Crump for the suggestion and to Jeri Stone for the photo.
Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.
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10 thoughts on “Let the Cat Out of the Bag”
Amen. Sometimes we need to listen and not speak. There are times when “letting the cat out of the bag” can cause harm.
Absolutely, Melissa. We need to be certain what we say is true, kind, and glorifies God. Knowing when to speak and when to keep quiet is a trait beyond value.
I expect we’ve all “let the cat out of the bag” at some point when we shouldn’t have. Confidences that are meant to be private should be kept so. But sometimes we might keep a joyful secret (an engagement, surprise birthday party, a special date, announcing a baby on the way, etc). At those times, “letting the cat out of the bag” is a celebration. Thank you for explaining the possible origins of this saying–I always enjoy learning that background information.
You’re right, Katherine. We’ve all probably shared when we shouldn’t. I enjoy learning more about these expressions and their meanings and origins too. Thank you. Have a lovely week.
I’ve most often heard/used this expression to communicate someone revealing a surprise/secret earlier than planned (e.g., mentioning the supposed surprise birthday party with the honoree present). I’ve also read, and I’m sorry I don’t remember where, that in biblical times, the cat o’ nine tails (supposedly used to scourge Jesus) often had bits of bone or glass shards tied into those knots at the end of each “tail.” What a horrendous torture that must have been. To have had those RIP the skin and muscle from bone as you were tortured. The reason it was so frightening was that until it was removed from the bag, often saturated or stained with blood from previous uses, the crowd and the one being tortured didn’t know. It was a way of increasing fear!
J. D., I have also heard and seen in movies that bone and glass were used at times in the cat o’ nine tails. I can’t imagine how that must have felt. With or without those additions, what a price our Savior paid, and to think the physical torture was nothing compared to the spiritual pain of taking our guilt on His shoulders.
I’ve used this phrase often and probably done it a time or two.
I hear you, Tracy, and share your guilt. Most of us probably do. Thanks for the suggestion.
I think we’ve all had moments when we have let the cat out of the bag, Diana. I liked reading about the possible origins of this phrase.
Blessings!
Thank you, Martha. I enjoyed researching and learning more about this expression. I think you’re right. We’ve probably all had let-the-cat-out-of-the-bag moments. Have a great week.