give the game away

Register · Informal Informal — used in casual, everyday conversation among friends and family. Avoid in formal writing or professional settings. CEFR B2

Post

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 Informal · CEFR B1

To reveal a secret, usually by mistake.

pull someone's leg Informal · CEFR B1

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

spill the beans Informal · CEFR B1

To reveal a secret, often accidentally.

behind the scenes Neutral · CEFR B2

happening privately or secretly, not in public view

come to light Neutral · CEFR B2

to become known or be discovered, especially something hidden

bad news Informal · CEFR A2

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.

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