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Is there an idiom that means “revealing a secret unintentionally”?
Is there a word for “divulging unintentionally”?Searching for the idiom to express thisAbout the idiom in Hindi (चुल्लू भर पानी में डूब जा) that literally translate 'Go, commit suicide"!Idiom request for describing a situation in which people pay attention to their minor problems rather than the fundamental related ones?When you need to go through multiple complicated and very difficult steps to accomplish an action“Break the doubt with certainty”, is there such a phrase?Is there an idiom that means “taking revenge for X”?Is there an idiom that means “that something seems to be brewing”?An idiom or phrase that means “as an act of solidarity”?Is there an idiom that supports the idea that “inflation is bad”?Is there an idiom that means that an item of clothing fits perfectly?
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I am thinking there could be an idiom that states that you or someone revealed a secret unintentionally? Can you think of an idiom like that? I am looking for an idiom I can use to write a blog post about the recent incident where Secretary Pompeo unintentionally revealed the dirty secrets behind the CIA.
idiom-request
asked May 7 at 18:23
tefisjbtefisjb
502315
add a comment |
I am thinking there could be an idiom that states that you or someone revealed a secret unintentionally? Can you think of an idiom like that? I am looking for an idiom I can use to write a blog post about the recent incident where Secretary Pompeo unintentionally revealed the dirty secrets behind the CIA.
idiom-request
asked May 7 at 18:23
tefisjbtefisjb
502315
3
Possible duplicate of Is there a word for "divulging unintentionally"?
– Katy
May 7 at 20:58
I asked for an idiom, not a word.
– tefisjb
May 8 at 18:32
add a comment |
I am thinking there could be an idiom that states that you or someone revealed a secret unintentionally? Can you think of an idiom like that? I am looking for an idiom I can use to write a blog post about the recent incident where Secretary Pompeo unintentionally revealed the dirty secrets behind the CIA.
idiom-request
asked May 7 at 18:23
tefisjbtefisjb
502315
I am thinking there could be an idiom that states that you or someone revealed a secret unintentionally? Can you think of an idiom like that? I am looking for an idiom I can use to write a blog post about the recent incident where Secretary Pompeo unintentionally revealed the dirty secrets behind the CIA.
idiom-request
idiom-request
asked May 7 at 18:23
tefisjbtefisjb
502315
asked May 7 at 18:23
tefisjbtefisjb
502315
asked May 7 at 18:23
tefisjbtefisjb
502315
asked May 7 at 18:23
tefisjbtefisjb
502315
asked May 7 at 18:23
tefisjbtefisjb
502315
502315
3
Possible duplicate of Is there a word for "divulging unintentionally"?
– Katy
May 7 at 20:58
I asked for an idiom, not a word.
– tefisjb
May 8 at 18:32
add a comment |
3
Possible duplicate of Is there a word for "divulging unintentionally"?
– Katy
May 7 at 20:58
I asked for an idiom, not a word.
– tefisjb
May 8 at 18:32
3
3
Possible duplicate of Is there a word for "divulging unintentionally"?
– Katy
May 7 at 20:58
Possible duplicate of Is there a word for "divulging unintentionally"?
– Katy
May 7 at 20:58
I asked for an idiom, not a word.
– tefisjb
May 8 at 18:32
I asked for an idiom, not a word.
– tefisjb
May 8 at 18:32
add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
Let the cat out of the bag is the idiomatic answer to this.
Oxford (and google dictionary): Reveal a secret carelessly or by mistake.
Edit: It appears commentators dispute the 'unintentionality' of this phrase. Further definitions in support:
Dictionary.com: to divulge a secret, especially inadvertently or carelessly <- scroll down to idioms
Cambridge: to allow a secret to be known, usually without intending to
Collins: to disclose a secret, often by mistake
answered May 8 at 6:22
mcalexmcalex
5,52711530
3
Without having a reference: I personally would say that this is the idiom to use when the secret was palpable, like somebody was beating around the bush for a while until they finally let the cat out of the bag. Like junior wants to have the car for the weekend and doesn't dare ask outright.
– Peter A. Schneider
May 8 at 10:56
6
Oh, plus it is not necessarily unintentional. Perhaps more often used when the secret was finally revealed intentionally.
– Peter A. Schneider
May 8 at 10:58
This is actually an idiom, so I will accept it as an answer.
– tefisjb
May 8 at 18:32
3
No, that is just "revealing a secret", but it is not necessarily "unintentionally".
– Len
May 9 at 4:05
I've practically only ever heard this expression used when someone intentionally reveals information - not in an accidental way, and am very surprised so many dictionary references include the fact it's done by mistake. That, in my experience, is seldom how it's used. (Especially compared to @Andrw's answer, which includes "let slip", which is almost always used when something is revealed unintentionally). (...When you take this literally, letting the cat out of a bag is an intentional action, lending further credence to it being primarily an active doing, not unintentional...)
– BruceWayne
May 9 at 16:43
|
show 2 more comments
Yes, there are a number which imply "by accident":
Mike Pompeo let slip some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo spilled some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo let out some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo blabbed some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo gave away some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo blurted out some of the CIA's secrets.
If you want to be clear, you can always specify that the action was unintentional:
Mike Pompeo unwittingly spilled the beans on some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo inadvertently let the cat out of the bag on some of the CIA's secrets.
There are others that mean "reveal", but you need to specify whether this was intentional or unintentional: divulge, disclose, leak, expose, confess etc.
Mike Pompeo unintentionally divulged some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo accidentally leaked some of the CIA's secrets.
and so on.
(Edit) As a few of the comments suggest, all of these verbs can also be used for intentional disclosure. Example:
Mike Pompeo may have deliberately let slip some of the CIA's secrets.
I just feel the ones in the first part, by default, sound unintentional. By making them intentional it adds the nuance of duplicity -- which is to say, the subject is only pretending to "accidentally" reveal some information.
Still, opinions on this will vary from person to person.
answered May 7 at 18:32
AndrewAndrew
76k680164
3
Don't forget "Let the cat out of the bag"
– mgillesp
May 7 at 19:13
2
Blabbed seems the closest to what OP is driving at. I'm assuming this is a hit-piece on Pompeo rather than something more nuanced.
– Richard
May 7 at 19:23
1
I think the key here is the inclusion ofunintentionally,inadvertently,unwittingly, oraccidentally(or other appropriate synonym). Without those, any of the statements could be taken to mean he did so intentionally.
– asgallant
May 7 at 20:53
3
@asgallant: "let slip" definitely means it was accidental/inadvertent unless there is a specific context that push it towards a meaning of "intentionally, but coyly" (I checked several dictionaries, and the accidental/inadvertent/unintentional aspect is part of the definition, not merely a connotation I'm inferring from local usage). I agree that the rest of them require more effort to make the release inadvertent; by default, they either imply intent or don't imply anything one way or the other.
– ShadowRanger
May 7 at 21:24
4
I think 'let slip' is the only example definitely showing unintentionality, 'blurted' is a maybe. 'Blabbed' and 'gave away' sound like they're definitely intentional to my ear.
– mcalex
May 8 at 6:16
|
show 9 more comments
A gaffe or Freudian Slip, which is also known as a parapraxis.
answered May 8 at 5:01
waverywavery
3883
We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.
6
No, a "gaffe" is any social mistake, and a Freudian slip is saying something unintentionally regardless of whether it was a secret.
– Len
May 9 at 4:06
2
Sorry for the short answer. I don't necessarily agree with the final answer here "Let the cat out of the bag". That could have been done completely intentionally.
– wavery
May 9 at 6:45
add a comment |
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3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
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active
oldest
votes
Let the cat out of the bag is the idiomatic answer to this.
Oxford (and google dictionary): Reveal a secret carelessly or by mistake.
Edit: It appears commentators dispute the 'unintentionality' of this phrase. Further definitions in support:
Dictionary.com: to divulge a secret, especially inadvertently or carelessly <- scroll down to idioms
Cambridge: to allow a secret to be known, usually without intending to
Collins: to disclose a secret, often by mistake
answered May 8 at 6:22
mcalexmcalex
5,52711530
3
Without having a reference: I personally would say that this is the idiom to use when the secret was palpable, like somebody was beating around the bush for a while until they finally let the cat out of the bag. Like junior wants to have the car for the weekend and doesn't dare ask outright.
– Peter A. Schneider
May 8 at 10:56
6
Oh, plus it is not necessarily unintentional. Perhaps more often used when the secret was finally revealed intentionally.
– Peter A. Schneider
May 8 at 10:58
This is actually an idiom, so I will accept it as an answer.
– tefisjb
May 8 at 18:32
3
No, that is just "revealing a secret", but it is not necessarily "unintentionally".
– Len
May 9 at 4:05
I've practically only ever heard this expression used when someone intentionally reveals information - not in an accidental way, and am very surprised so many dictionary references include the fact it's done by mistake. That, in my experience, is seldom how it's used. (Especially compared to @Andrw's answer, which includes "let slip", which is almost always used when something is revealed unintentionally). (...When you take this literally, letting the cat out of a bag is an intentional action, lending further credence to it being primarily an active doing, not unintentional...)
– BruceWayne
May 9 at 16:43
|
show 2 more comments
Let the cat out of the bag is the idiomatic answer to this.
Oxford (and google dictionary): Reveal a secret carelessly or by mistake.
Edit: It appears commentators dispute the 'unintentionality' of this phrase. Further definitions in support:
Dictionary.com: to divulge a secret, especially inadvertently or carelessly <- scroll down to idioms
Cambridge: to allow a secret to be known, usually without intending to
Collins: to disclose a secret, often by mistake
answered May 8 at 6:22
mcalexmcalex
5,52711530
3
Without having a reference: I personally would say that this is the idiom to use when the secret was palpable, like somebody was beating around the bush for a while until they finally let the cat out of the bag. Like junior wants to have the car for the weekend and doesn't dare ask outright.
– Peter A. Schneider
May 8 at 10:56
6
Oh, plus it is not necessarily unintentional. Perhaps more often used when the secret was finally revealed intentionally.
– Peter A. Schneider
May 8 at 10:58
This is actually an idiom, so I will accept it as an answer.
– tefisjb
May 8 at 18:32
3
No, that is just "revealing a secret", but it is not necessarily "unintentionally".
– Len
May 9 at 4:05
I've practically only ever heard this expression used when someone intentionally reveals information - not in an accidental way, and am very surprised so many dictionary references include the fact it's done by mistake. That, in my experience, is seldom how it's used. (Especially compared to @Andrw's answer, which includes "let slip", which is almost always used when something is revealed unintentionally). (...When you take this literally, letting the cat out of a bag is an intentional action, lending further credence to it being primarily an active doing, not unintentional...)
– BruceWayne
May 9 at 16:43
|
show 2 more comments
Let the cat out of the bag is the idiomatic answer to this.
Oxford (and google dictionary): Reveal a secret carelessly or by mistake.
Edit: It appears commentators dispute the 'unintentionality' of this phrase. Further definitions in support:
Dictionary.com: to divulge a secret, especially inadvertently or carelessly <- scroll down to idioms
Cambridge: to allow a secret to be known, usually without intending to
Collins: to disclose a secret, often by mistake
answered May 8 at 6:22
mcalexmcalex
5,52711530
Let the cat out of the bag is the idiomatic answer to this.
Oxford (and google dictionary): Reveal a secret carelessly or by mistake.
Edit: It appears commentators dispute the 'unintentionality' of this phrase. Further definitions in support:
Dictionary.com: to divulge a secret, especially inadvertently or carelessly <- scroll down to idioms
Cambridge: to allow a secret to be known, usually without intending to
Collins: to disclose a secret, often by mistake
answered May 8 at 6:22
mcalexmcalex
5,52711530
edited May 9 at 6:09
answered May 8 at 6:22
mcalexmcalex
5,52711530
answered May 8 at 6:22
mcalexmcalex
5,52711530
answered May 8 at 6:22
mcalexmcalex
5,52711530
5,52711530
3
Without having a reference: I personally would say that this is the idiom to use when the secret was palpable, like somebody was beating around the bush for a while until they finally let the cat out of the bag. Like junior wants to have the car for the weekend and doesn't dare ask outright.
– Peter A. Schneider
May 8 at 10:56
6
Oh, plus it is not necessarily unintentional. Perhaps more often used when the secret was finally revealed intentionally.
– Peter A. Schneider
May 8 at 10:58
This is actually an idiom, so I will accept it as an answer.
– tefisjb
May 8 at 18:32
3
No, that is just "revealing a secret", but it is not necessarily "unintentionally".
– Len
May 9 at 4:05
I've practically only ever heard this expression used when someone intentionally reveals information - not in an accidental way, and am very surprised so many dictionary references include the fact it's done by mistake. That, in my experience, is seldom how it's used. (Especially compared to @Andrw's answer, which includes "let slip", which is almost always used when something is revealed unintentionally). (...When you take this literally, letting the cat out of a bag is an intentional action, lending further credence to it being primarily an active doing, not unintentional...)
– BruceWayne
May 9 at 16:43
|
show 2 more comments
3
Without having a reference: I personally would say that this is the idiom to use when the secret was palpable, like somebody was beating around the bush for a while until they finally let the cat out of the bag. Like junior wants to have the car for the weekend and doesn't dare ask outright.
– Peter A. Schneider
May 8 at 10:56
6
Oh, plus it is not necessarily unintentional. Perhaps more often used when the secret was finally revealed intentionally.
– Peter A. Schneider
May 8 at 10:58
This is actually an idiom, so I will accept it as an answer.
– tefisjb
May 8 at 18:32
3
No, that is just "revealing a secret", but it is not necessarily "unintentionally".
– Len
May 9 at 4:05
I've practically only ever heard this expression used when someone intentionally reveals information - not in an accidental way, and am very surprised so many dictionary references include the fact it's done by mistake. That, in my experience, is seldom how it's used. (Especially compared to @Andrw's answer, which includes "let slip", which is almost always used when something is revealed unintentionally). (...When you take this literally, letting the cat out of a bag is an intentional action, lending further credence to it being primarily an active doing, not unintentional...)
– BruceWayne
May 9 at 16:43
3
3
Without having a reference: I personally would say that this is the idiom to use when the secret was palpable, like somebody was beating around the bush for a while until they finally let the cat out of the bag. Like junior wants to have the car for the weekend and doesn't dare ask outright.
– Peter A. Schneider
May 8 at 10:56
Without having a reference: I personally would say that this is the idiom to use when the secret was palpable, like somebody was beating around the bush for a while until they finally let the cat out of the bag. Like junior wants to have the car for the weekend and doesn't dare ask outright.
– Peter A. Schneider
May 8 at 10:56
6
6
Oh, plus it is not necessarily unintentional. Perhaps more often used when the secret was finally revealed intentionally.
– Peter A. Schneider
May 8 at 10:58
Oh, plus it is not necessarily unintentional. Perhaps more often used when the secret was finally revealed intentionally.
– Peter A. Schneider
May 8 at 10:58
This is actually an idiom, so I will accept it as an answer.
– tefisjb
May 8 at 18:32
This is actually an idiom, so I will accept it as an answer.
– tefisjb
May 8 at 18:32
3
3
No, that is just "revealing a secret", but it is not necessarily "unintentionally".
– Len
May 9 at 4:05
No, that is just "revealing a secret", but it is not necessarily "unintentionally".
– Len
May 9 at 4:05
I've practically only ever heard this expression used when someone intentionally reveals information - not in an accidental way, and am very surprised so many dictionary references include the fact it's done by mistake. That, in my experience, is seldom how it's used. (Especially compared to @Andrw's answer, which includes "let slip", which is almost always used when something is revealed unintentionally). (...When you take this literally, letting the cat out of a bag is an intentional action, lending further credence to it being primarily an active doing, not unintentional...)
– BruceWayne
May 9 at 16:43
I've practically only ever heard this expression used when someone intentionally reveals information - not in an accidental way, and am very surprised so many dictionary references include the fact it's done by mistake. That, in my experience, is seldom how it's used. (Especially compared to @Andrw's answer, which includes "let slip", which is almost always used when something is revealed unintentionally). (...When you take this literally, letting the cat out of a bag is an intentional action, lending further credence to it being primarily an active doing, not unintentional...)
– BruceWayne
May 9 at 16:43
|
show 2 more comments
Yes, there are a number which imply "by accident":
Mike Pompeo let slip some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo spilled some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo let out some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo blabbed some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo gave away some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo blurted out some of the CIA's secrets.
If you want to be clear, you can always specify that the action was unintentional:
Mike Pompeo unwittingly spilled the beans on some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo inadvertently let the cat out of the bag on some of the CIA's secrets.
There are others that mean "reveal", but you need to specify whether this was intentional or unintentional: divulge, disclose, leak, expose, confess etc.
Mike Pompeo unintentionally divulged some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo accidentally leaked some of the CIA's secrets.
and so on.
(Edit) As a few of the comments suggest, all of these verbs can also be used for intentional disclosure. Example:
Mike Pompeo may have deliberately let slip some of the CIA's secrets.
I just feel the ones in the first part, by default, sound unintentional. By making them intentional it adds the nuance of duplicity -- which is to say, the subject is only pretending to "accidentally" reveal some information.
Still, opinions on this will vary from person to person.
answered May 7 at 18:32
AndrewAndrew
76k680164
3
Don't forget "Let the cat out of the bag"
– mgillesp
May 7 at 19:13
2
Blabbed seems the closest to what OP is driving at. I'm assuming this is a hit-piece on Pompeo rather than something more nuanced.
– Richard
May 7 at 19:23
1
I think the key here is the inclusion ofunintentionally,inadvertently,unwittingly, oraccidentally(or other appropriate synonym). Without those, any of the statements could be taken to mean he did so intentionally.
– asgallant
May 7 at 20:53
3
@asgallant: "let slip" definitely means it was accidental/inadvertent unless there is a specific context that push it towards a meaning of "intentionally, but coyly" (I checked several dictionaries, and the accidental/inadvertent/unintentional aspect is part of the definition, not merely a connotation I'm inferring from local usage). I agree that the rest of them require more effort to make the release inadvertent; by default, they either imply intent or don't imply anything one way or the other.
– ShadowRanger
May 7 at 21:24
4
I think 'let slip' is the only example definitely showing unintentionality, 'blurted' is a maybe. 'Blabbed' and 'gave away' sound like they're definitely intentional to my ear.
– mcalex
May 8 at 6:16
|
show 9 more comments
Yes, there are a number which imply "by accident":
Mike Pompeo let slip some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo spilled some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo let out some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo blabbed some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo gave away some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo blurted out some of the CIA's secrets.
If you want to be clear, you can always specify that the action was unintentional:
Mike Pompeo unwittingly spilled the beans on some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo inadvertently let the cat out of the bag on some of the CIA's secrets.
There are others that mean "reveal", but you need to specify whether this was intentional or unintentional: divulge, disclose, leak, expose, confess etc.
Mike Pompeo unintentionally divulged some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo accidentally leaked some of the CIA's secrets.
and so on.
(Edit) As a few of the comments suggest, all of these verbs can also be used for intentional disclosure. Example:
Mike Pompeo may have deliberately let slip some of the CIA's secrets.
I just feel the ones in the first part, by default, sound unintentional. By making them intentional it adds the nuance of duplicity -- which is to say, the subject is only pretending to "accidentally" reveal some information.
Still, opinions on this will vary from person to person.
answered May 7 at 18:32
AndrewAndrew
76k680164
3
Don't forget "Let the cat out of the bag"
– mgillesp
May 7 at 19:13
2
Blabbed seems the closest to what OP is driving at. I'm assuming this is a hit-piece on Pompeo rather than something more nuanced.
– Richard
May 7 at 19:23
1
I think the key here is the inclusion ofunintentionally,inadvertently,unwittingly, oraccidentally(or other appropriate synonym). Without those, any of the statements could be taken to mean he did so intentionally.
– asgallant
May 7 at 20:53
3
@asgallant: "let slip" definitely means it was accidental/inadvertent unless there is a specific context that push it towards a meaning of "intentionally, but coyly" (I checked several dictionaries, and the accidental/inadvertent/unintentional aspect is part of the definition, not merely a connotation I'm inferring from local usage). I agree that the rest of them require more effort to make the release inadvertent; by default, they either imply intent or don't imply anything one way or the other.
– ShadowRanger
May 7 at 21:24
4
I think 'let slip' is the only example definitely showing unintentionality, 'blurted' is a maybe. 'Blabbed' and 'gave away' sound like they're definitely intentional to my ear.
– mcalex
May 8 at 6:16
|
show 9 more comments
Yes, there are a number which imply "by accident":
Mike Pompeo let slip some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo spilled some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo let out some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo blabbed some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo gave away some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo blurted out some of the CIA's secrets.
If you want to be clear, you can always specify that the action was unintentional:
Mike Pompeo unwittingly spilled the beans on some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo inadvertently let the cat out of the bag on some of the CIA's secrets.
There are others that mean "reveal", but you need to specify whether this was intentional or unintentional: divulge, disclose, leak, expose, confess etc.
Mike Pompeo unintentionally divulged some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo accidentally leaked some of the CIA's secrets.
and so on.
(Edit) As a few of the comments suggest, all of these verbs can also be used for intentional disclosure. Example:
Mike Pompeo may have deliberately let slip some of the CIA's secrets.
I just feel the ones in the first part, by default, sound unintentional. By making them intentional it adds the nuance of duplicity -- which is to say, the subject is only pretending to "accidentally" reveal some information.
Still, opinions on this will vary from person to person.
answered May 7 at 18:32
AndrewAndrew
76k680164
Yes, there are a number which imply "by accident":
Mike Pompeo let slip some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo spilled some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo let out some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo blabbed some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo gave away some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo blurted out some of the CIA's secrets.
If you want to be clear, you can always specify that the action was unintentional:
Mike Pompeo unwittingly spilled the beans on some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo inadvertently let the cat out of the bag on some of the CIA's secrets.
There are others that mean "reveal", but you need to specify whether this was intentional or unintentional: divulge, disclose, leak, expose, confess etc.
Mike Pompeo unintentionally divulged some of the CIA's secrets.
Mike Pompeo accidentally leaked some of the CIA's secrets.
and so on.
(Edit) As a few of the comments suggest, all of these verbs can also be used for intentional disclosure. Example:
Mike Pompeo may have deliberately let slip some of the CIA's secrets.
I just feel the ones in the first part, by default, sound unintentional. By making them intentional it adds the nuance of duplicity -- which is to say, the subject is only pretending to "accidentally" reveal some information.
Still, opinions on this will vary from person to person.
answered May 7 at 18:32
AndrewAndrew
76k680164
edited May 8 at 6:48
answered May 7 at 18:32
AndrewAndrew
76k680164
answered May 7 at 18:32
AndrewAndrew
76k680164
answered May 7 at 18:32
AndrewAndrew
76k680164
76k680164
3
Don't forget "Let the cat out of the bag"
– mgillesp
May 7 at 19:13
2
Blabbed seems the closest to what OP is driving at. I'm assuming this is a hit-piece on Pompeo rather than something more nuanced.
– Richard
May 7 at 19:23
1
I think the key here is the inclusion ofunintentionally,inadvertently,unwittingly, oraccidentally(or other appropriate synonym). Without those, any of the statements could be taken to mean he did so intentionally.
– asgallant
May 7 at 20:53
3
@asgallant: "let slip" definitely means it was accidental/inadvertent unless there is a specific context that push it towards a meaning of "intentionally, but coyly" (I checked several dictionaries, and the accidental/inadvertent/unintentional aspect is part of the definition, not merely a connotation I'm inferring from local usage). I agree that the rest of them require more effort to make the release inadvertent; by default, they either imply intent or don't imply anything one way or the other.
– ShadowRanger
May 7 at 21:24
4
I think 'let slip' is the only example definitely showing unintentionality, 'blurted' is a maybe. 'Blabbed' and 'gave away' sound like they're definitely intentional to my ear.
– mcalex
May 8 at 6:16
|
show 9 more comments
3
Don't forget "Let the cat out of the bag"
– mgillesp
May 7 at 19:13
2
Blabbed seems the closest to what OP is driving at. I'm assuming this is a hit-piece on Pompeo rather than something more nuanced.
– Richard
May 7 at 19:23
1
I think the key here is the inclusion ofunintentionally,inadvertently,unwittingly, oraccidentally(or other appropriate synonym). Without those, any of the statements could be taken to mean he did so intentionally.
– asgallant
May 7 at 20:53
3
@asgallant: "let slip" definitely means it was accidental/inadvertent unless there is a specific context that push it towards a meaning of "intentionally, but coyly" (I checked several dictionaries, and the accidental/inadvertent/unintentional aspect is part of the definition, not merely a connotation I'm inferring from local usage). I agree that the rest of them require more effort to make the release inadvertent; by default, they either imply intent or don't imply anything one way or the other.
– ShadowRanger
May 7 at 21:24
4
I think 'let slip' is the only example definitely showing unintentionality, 'blurted' is a maybe. 'Blabbed' and 'gave away' sound like they're definitely intentional to my ear.
– mcalex
May 8 at 6:16
3
3
Don't forget "Let the cat out of the bag"
– mgillesp
May 7 at 19:13
Don't forget "Let the cat out of the bag"
– mgillesp
May 7 at 19:13
2
2
Blabbed seems the closest to what OP is driving at. I'm assuming this is a hit-piece on Pompeo rather than something more nuanced.
– Richard
May 7 at 19:23
Blabbed seems the closest to what OP is driving at. I'm assuming this is a hit-piece on Pompeo rather than something more nuanced.
– Richard
May 7 at 19:23
1
1
I think the key here is the inclusion of
unintentionally, inadvertently, unwittingly, or accidentally (or other appropriate synonym). Without those, any of the statements could be taken to mean he did so intentionally.– asgallant
May 7 at 20:53
I think the key here is the inclusion of
unintentionally, inadvertently, unwittingly, or accidentally (or other appropriate synonym). Without those, any of the statements could be taken to mean he did so intentionally.– asgallant
May 7 at 20:53
3
3
@asgallant: "let slip" definitely means it was accidental/inadvertent unless there is a specific context that push it towards a meaning of "intentionally, but coyly" (I checked several dictionaries, and the accidental/inadvertent/unintentional aspect is part of the definition, not merely a connotation I'm inferring from local usage). I agree that the rest of them require more effort to make the release inadvertent; by default, they either imply intent or don't imply anything one way or the other.
– ShadowRanger
May 7 at 21:24
@asgallant: "let slip" definitely means it was accidental/inadvertent unless there is a specific context that push it towards a meaning of "intentionally, but coyly" (I checked several dictionaries, and the accidental/inadvertent/unintentional aspect is part of the definition, not merely a connotation I'm inferring from local usage). I agree that the rest of them require more effort to make the release inadvertent; by default, they either imply intent or don't imply anything one way or the other.
– ShadowRanger
May 7 at 21:24
4
4
I think 'let slip' is the only example definitely showing unintentionality, 'blurted' is a maybe. 'Blabbed' and 'gave away' sound like they're definitely intentional to my ear.
– mcalex
May 8 at 6:16
I think 'let slip' is the only example definitely showing unintentionality, 'blurted' is a maybe. 'Blabbed' and 'gave away' sound like they're definitely intentional to my ear.
– mcalex
May 8 at 6:16
|
show 9 more comments
A gaffe or Freudian Slip, which is also known as a parapraxis.
answered May 8 at 5:01
waverywavery
3883
We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.
6
No, a "gaffe" is any social mistake, and a Freudian slip is saying something unintentionally regardless of whether it was a secret.
– Len
May 9 at 4:06
2
Sorry for the short answer. I don't necessarily agree with the final answer here "Let the cat out of the bag". That could have been done completely intentionally.
– wavery
May 9 at 6:45
add a comment |
A gaffe or Freudian Slip, which is also known as a parapraxis.
answered May 8 at 5:01
waverywavery
3883
We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.
6
No, a "gaffe" is any social mistake, and a Freudian slip is saying something unintentionally regardless of whether it was a secret.
– Len
May 9 at 4:06
2
Sorry for the short answer. I don't necessarily agree with the final answer here "Let the cat out of the bag". That could have been done completely intentionally.
– wavery
May 9 at 6:45
add a comment |
A gaffe or Freudian Slip, which is also known as a parapraxis.
answered May 8 at 5:01
waverywavery
3883
A gaffe or Freudian Slip, which is also known as a parapraxis.
answered May 8 at 5:01
waverywavery
3883
answered May 8 at 5:01
waverywavery
3883
answered May 8 at 5:01
waverywavery
3883
answered May 8 at 5:01
waverywavery
3883
3883
We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.
We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.
6
No, a "gaffe" is any social mistake, and a Freudian slip is saying something unintentionally regardless of whether it was a secret.
– Len
May 9 at 4:06
2
Sorry for the short answer. I don't necessarily agree with the final answer here "Let the cat out of the bag". That could have been done completely intentionally.
– wavery
May 9 at 6:45
add a comment |
6
No, a "gaffe" is any social mistake, and a Freudian slip is saying something unintentionally regardless of whether it was a secret.
– Len
May 9 at 4:06
2
Sorry for the short answer. I don't necessarily agree with the final answer here "Let the cat out of the bag". That could have been done completely intentionally.
– wavery
May 9 at 6:45
6
6
No, a "gaffe" is any social mistake, and a Freudian slip is saying something unintentionally regardless of whether it was a secret.
– Len
May 9 at 4:06
No, a "gaffe" is any social mistake, and a Freudian slip is saying something unintentionally regardless of whether it was a secret.
– Len
May 9 at 4:06
2
2
Sorry for the short answer. I don't necessarily agree with the final answer here "Let the cat out of the bag". That could have been done completely intentionally.
– wavery
May 9 at 6:45
Sorry for the short answer. I don't necessarily agree with the final answer here "Let the cat out of the bag". That could have been done completely intentionally.
– wavery
May 9 at 6:45
add a comment |
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Possible duplicate of Is there a word for "divulging unintentionally"?
– Katy
May 7 at 20:58
I asked for an idiom, not a word.
– tefisjb
May 8 at 18:32