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.
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Most of us know people who cannot keep a secret. They always find a way to spill the beans.