# be kept in the dark

CEFR B2 · Idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/be-kept-in-the-dark
Updated: 2026-07-26

## Definition

to not be told about something important that other people know about.

For teachers: to be intentionally excluded from receiving information or knowledge regarding a specific situation. Usually used in the passive voice to emphasize the state of ignorance imposed by others.

## Examples

- I was kept in the dark about the company's secret plans.
- The employees were kept in the dark regarding the upcoming merger until the official announcement was made on Friday.
- Despite her senior position, the director was kept in the dark about the internal investigation until the final report was leaked to the press.

## Pitfalls

- Not "They kept me in dark about the news." but "They kept me in the dark about the news." — the phrase is a fixed idiom and requires the definite article 'the' before 'dark'.

## Usage notes

- almost always used in the passive voice with 'be' or 'get'; the source of the secrecy is often introduced with 'by'.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'to keep someone in the dark' (active) to show how the subject changes; use the metaphor of physical darkness preventing one from 'seeing' the truth.

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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.