# know where the bodies are buried

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/know-where-the-bodies-are-buried
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To possess confidential and incriminating information about a person's or organization's misdeeds or other secrets.

## Examples

- He keeps his job because he knows where the bodies are buried.
- The assistant is very powerful in the office because she knows where the bodies are buried.
- Despite his obvious incompetence, the manager remains in his position, as he knows where the bodies are buried regarding the company's past financial scandals.

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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.