# come out of the closet

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/come-out-of-the-closet
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To disclose to others about one's sexual orientation, romantic orientation, or gender identity, where previously this had been kept secret.

## Examples

- He finally came out of the closet to his parents.
- After years of hiding his identity, he decided to come out of the closet to his closest friends first.
- The memoir traces how she summoned the courage to come out of the closet in an era when such honesty could cost her everything.

---

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.