ENGLISH
REFERENCE

worst-kept secret

idiom
Meaning

A situation where little or no attempt has been made to keep a matter secret.


Examples
SIMPLE

Their relationship is the worst-kept secret in the office.

CONTEXTUAL

Everyone knew they were quitting their jobs, so it was the worst-kept secret in the company.

COMPLEX

The impending merger had become the worst-kept secret in the industry, circulating through every boardroom long before the official announcement.

Anchors to
Related idioms1entry
  1. 01

    best-kept secret

    Something interesting or important but not well-known.

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