spill the beans — to reveal secret information, especially unintentionally
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to reveal secret information, especially unintentionally
Pronunciation (IPA): /spɪl ðə biːnz/
Example Sentences
- My little brother always spills the beans about my birthday presents.
- Don't spill the beans to mom about the broken vase!
- The witness finally spilled the beans during the interrogation.
spill the beans
NOUN[/spɪl ðə biːnz/]
to reveal secret information, especially unintentionally
a nervous office worker holds a phone to their ear while gesturing wildly with their free hand. Their mouth is wide open as they speak animatedly into the phone about confidential company plans. Three coworkers sitting at a nearby table stop eating and lean in with shocked expressions on their faces. Their eyes widen as they overhear the sensitive information being shared loudly. One coworker covers their mouth in surprise while another exchanges worried glances with their companion. someone unintentionally revealing secret information that others weren't supposed to hear
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase allegedly originated in ancient Greece, where citizens used black and white beans for secret voting. According to popular etymology, when a voting jar was accidentally overturned, the beans spilled out and revealed the voting results, leading to the metaphorical use of 'spilling beans' to mean revealing secrets.
Breakdown
spill (to cause liquid or contents to flow out) + beans (legume seeds used in the voting ritual) = to unintentionally reveal confidential information or secrets.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My little brother always spills the beans about my birthday presents.”
“Don't spill the beans to mom about the broken vase!”
“The witness finally spilled the beans during the interrogation.”
“She promised not to spill the beans, but she told everyone within an hour.”
📚Related Words
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