Spill the beans

usgb
verb phrase

To reveal a secret or surprise, either on purpose or accidentally.

He spilled the beans about their plan to throw a surprise party for her
Visual representation of "spill the beans" - To reveal a secret or surprise, either on purpose or accidentally

Often appears as...

  • accidentally spill the beans
  • don't spill the beans

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "spill the beans"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Casual Expression

Used in informal settings among friends or family, not suitable for formal situations.

Illustration for Casual Expression
At the family reunion, Joe couldn't wait and spilled the beans about his engagement.
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Unexpected Reveal

Often implies a revelation that is surprising to others, like sharing a secret without prior planning.

Illustration for Unexpected Reveal
In the middle of the dinner, Clara spilled the beans about her brother's secret job.
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Maintain Secrecy

Indicates the importance of keeping certain information confidential until a specific moment.

Illustration for Maintain Secrecy
The team was warned not to spill the beans about the new product before the launch date.
Visual representation of the word "Spill the beans"

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