# give the game away

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/give-the-game-away
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To mistakenly reveal a secret.

## Examples

- Don't smile, or you will give the game away.
- We tried to keep the surprise party a secret, but my brother gave the game away by mentioning the cake.
- Despite his best efforts to maintain a stoic facade, a nervous twitch in his eye ultimately gave the game away to the observant detective.

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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.