# worst-kept secret

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/worst-kept-secret
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- Their relationship is the worst-kept secret in the office.
- Everyone knew they were quitting their jobs, so it was the worst-kept secret in the company.
- The impending merger had become the worst-kept secret in the industry, circulating through every boardroom long before the official announcement.

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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.