ENGLISH
REFERENCE

skeleton in the cupboard

idiom
Meaning

A shameful secret.


Examples
SIMPLE

Everyone has at least one skeleton in the cupboard.

CONTEXTUAL

The politician tried to hide his past, but a journalist discovered a skeleton in the cupboard.

COMPLEX

Despite his public reputation for absolute integrity, he lived in constant fear that a long-buried skeleton in the cupboard would eventually destroy his career.

Anchors to
Related idioms5entries
  1. 01

    cry cupboard

    To want or need food; to show signs of hunger.

  2. 02

    skeleton at the feast

    One whose presence brings gloom to a joyous occasion.

  3. 03

    skeleton crew

    A crew consisting of the minimum number of personnel needed to maintain and operate the basic functions of something, such as a business, a factory, or a ship.

  4. 04

    skeleton in the closet

    A shameful secret.

  5. 05

    the cupboard is bare

    There is little to no food or money.

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