# wash one's dirty linen in public

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/wash-ones-dirty-linen-in-public
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

## Examples

- Please do not wash your dirty linen in public.
- The couple argued loudly at the dinner party, choosing to wash their dirty linen in public instead of talking privately.
- Despite the intense media scrutiny, the family refused to wash their dirty linen in public, maintaining a dignified silence about their internal conflicts.

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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.
