the cat's out of the bag
It is too late. Particularly used of secrets that have been exposed.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The secret is out, the cat's out of the bag.”
“We tried to keep the surprise party a secret, but the cat's out of the bag now.”
“Once the confidential documents were leaked to the press, the cat's out of the bag, and the company had to address the scandal publicly.”
- 01
bag of bones
A skinny, malnourished person or animal.
- 02
bag of tricks
A set of skills, techniques, items of information, or other resources used to help achieve professional or personal goals.
- 03
bell the cat
To undertake a dangerous action in the service of a group.
- 04
brown bag
A short presentation or seminar on a given subject, especially one given at lunchtime.
- 05
cat and dog life
An unhappy married life marked by arguments and disagreements.
- 06
cat got someone's tongue
Why is someone not saying anything?
- 07
cat in the meal-tub
Something concealed; a hidden danger.
- 08
cat piss
Any beverage of low quality.
Last updated August 10, 2026