ENGLISH
REFERENCE

give the game away

idiom
Meaning

To mistakenly reveal a secret.


Examples
SIMPLE

Don't smile, or you will give the game away.

CONTEXTUAL

We tried to keep the surprise party a secret, but my brother gave the game away by mentioning the cake.

COMPLEX

Despite his best efforts to maintain a stoic facade, a nervous twitch in his eye ultimately gave the game away to the observant detective.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    away game

    An athletic contest played away from the team's home field.

  2. 02

    away with the fairies

    Not all there; slightly crazy.

  3. 03

    back in the game

    Having recovered from a disadvantageous position.

  4. 04

    bang away

    to strike or hit repeatedly

  5. 05

    bear away the bell

    To be superior in something.

  6. 06

    beaver away

    To work hard at a task.

  7. 07

    blame game

    A situation in which people attempt to blame others rather than trying to resolve a problem.

  8. 08

    blaze away

    To fire (firearms) repeatedly.

Last updated April 17, 2026