English idiom

spill the beans

Register · Informal CEFR B1

Post

Figurative meaning

To reveal a secret, often accidentally.

Why this phrase?

Possibly from an ancient voting method using beans that could be knocked over.

Example

“Don't spill the beans about the surprise party.”

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.

behind the scenes

happening privately or secretly, not in public view

come to light

to become known or be discovered, especially something hidden

give the game away

to accidentally reveal a secret or plan

butter someone up

to flatter someone in order to gain a favour

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

markdown