English idiom

give the game away

Register · Informal CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

to accidentally reveal a secret or plan

Why this phrase?

From spoiling a game by revealing its trick; figuratively means to reveal a secret.

Example

“Don't smile, or you'll give the game away.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

let the cat out of the bag

To reveal a secret, usually by mistake.

pull someone's leg

To tease or joke with someone by telling them something untrue in fun.

spill the beans

To reveal a secret, often accidentally.

behind the scenes

happening privately or secretly, not in public view

come to light

to become known or be discovered, especially something hidden

bad news

an unpleasant piece of information; (informal) a person or thing likely to cause trouble

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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