In this office, budget cuts are a dirty word.
dirty word
idiomThe name of a topic that a person prefers not to hear or discuss.
After the failed merger, the name of the rival company became a dirty word among the staff.
For the traditionalists in the department, any mention of radical innovation was treated as a dirty word that threatened their established way of working.
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air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
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air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
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bad word
A vulgar word.
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breathe a word
To divulge even part of a secret (usually used with a negative).
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dicky
[Cockney slang]word
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dirty laundry
Unflattering or embarrassing facts, or questionable activities that one wants to remain secret, but which someone else may use as blackmail.
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dirty look
An unpleasant or disdainful look or expression, often directed at someone.
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dirty money
Money that is illegally gained, illegally transferred or illegally utilized, especially money gained through forgery, bribery, prostitution, money laundering, or theft.