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Spill the beans
//ˌspɪl ðə ˈbiːnz// verb
Definitions
Verb
- 1 To reveal a secret; to disclose information. idiomatic, intransitive
"They had planned it as a surprise party, but somebody spilled the beans."
- 2 divulge confidential information or secrets wordnet
Etymology
First attested in 20th century American English. One possible origin for the phrase is from an Ancient Greek practice of using different-coloured beans for voting, where spilling the jar containing them would unwantedly reveal the results, though this might be folk etymology.
See also for "spill the beans"
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