ENGLISH
REFERENCE

wash one's dirty linen in public

idiom
Meaning

Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.


Examples
SIMPLE

Please do not wash your dirty linen in public.

CONTEXTUAL

The couple argued loudly at the dinner party, choosing to wash their dirty linen in public instead of talking privately.

COMPLEX

Despite the intense media scrutiny, the family refused to wash their dirty linen in public, maintaining a dignified silence about their internal conflicts.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  3. 03

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  4. 04

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  5. 05

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  6. 06

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

  8. 08

    albatross around one's neck

    A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

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