let the cat out of the bag; be exposed
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesverb
to be exposed; to have the truth come out
informalFrom the literal meaning of a dumpling's filling ('馅儿') leaking out. Used for secrets, lies, faults, or hidden truths being unexpectedly revealed, often causing embarrassment.
Tā他
yǐ以
wéi为
zì自
jǐ己
wěi伪
zhuāng装
dé得
hěn很
hǎo好
，
jié结
guǒ果
yī一
jù句
huà话
jiù就
shuō说
lòu露
xiàn馅
r儿
le了
。
He thought he was disguised well, but his words let the cat out of the bag.
Zhè这
huǎng谎
huà话
gēn根
běn本
jīng经
bù不
qǐ起
tuī推
qiāo敲
，
yī一
duì对
zhèng证
kěn肯
dìng定
lòu露
xiàn馅
r儿
。
This lie can't withstand scrutiny; it's sure to be exposed when cross-checked.
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Bié别
zhuāng装
le了
，
nǐ你
de的
kǒu口
yīn音
zǎo早
jiù就
lòu露
xiàn馅
r儿
le了
，
nǐ你
shì是
nán南
fāng方
rén人
ba吧
？
Stop pretending, your accent gave you away long ago. You're from the south, right?