Language Cafe: Let the cat out of the bag

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Let the cat out of the bag

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let the cat out of the bag 来自英语环球ChinaPlus 00:00 08:29

Definition: To reveal a secret carelessly or by mistake.

Origin: The original theory of 'let the cat out of the bag' is that unscrupulous sellers would sell the 'pig' in a bag, but instruct the buyer not to open it until they get home, lest the pig escape. The buyer would carry a wiggling bag all the way home, only to have it revealed when opened that they had received a feral cat instead of a piglet. A whip was also nicknamed to be 'the cat' in the Navy. The whip/cat would be taken out of the bag whenever someone had to be disciplined.

A

I'd better not to know the details of the plan in case I let the cat out of the bag one day.

我还是不知道这个计划的细节为好，以免哪天我说漏嘴。

B

He is trustworthy and he is tight-lipped. There is no way that it was him that let the cat out of the bag.

他值得信赖,嘴巴也很紧，露马脚的不可能是他。

C

I'm too scared I'll let the cat out of the bag and ruin his secret.

（最后一句依然留给大家来翻译。）

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Carefully picked by Manling, A prime broadcaster for CRI's English service, also a seasoned English teacher, and her native English co-host, these authentic words and expressions are presented to listeners with empowered vocal images. Walk through our show,and they will be yours!