a skeleton in the closet
Say it: a SKEL-uh-tun in the KLOZ-it /ə ˌskɛlɪtən ɪn ðə ˈklɒzɪt/ · idiom
What “a skeleton in the closet” means
A shameful secret from someone's past.
Example: “Every politician seems to have a skeleton in the closet.”
When to use it
In informal conversation, for an embarrassing or disgraceful past secret someone wants to hide. British speakers also say “skeleton in the cupboard”.
Similar words
dark secret, guilty secret
Quick check
A respected club leader hides the fact that they once stole the club's savings. What is that secret?
dirty laundry or a skeleton in the closet?
Show the answer
a skeleton in the closet
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