# closet case

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/closet-case
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A person who conceals or denies their sexuality or gender identity.

## Examples

- He is a closet case who hides his true self from everyone.
- She felt sorry for her friend, who remained a closet case because he feared his family would reject him.
- Despite the growing acceptance in his social circle, he remained a closet case, trapped by the internalized shame he had carried since his youth.

## Origin

From *closet* + *case*, first appearing in print in 1946 within the pages of the Washington Post.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.