# skeleton in the cupboard

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/skeleton-in-the-cupboard
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A shameful secret.

## Examples

- Everyone has at least one skeleton in the cupboard.
- The politician tried to hide his past, but a journalist discovered a skeleton in the cupboard.
- 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.

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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.