# the cat's out of the bag

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/the-cats-out-of-the-bag
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

It is too late. Particularly used of secrets that have been exposed.

## Examples

- 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.

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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.