Question

Select the meaning of the given phrase/idiom.
Let the cat out of the bag.
A) To reveal the secret accidently.
B) To do something mischievous.
C) To hide the cat in the bag.
D) To take the cat out of the bag.

Answer 1

Hint: Phrase is a group of words that are used to define an expression and idiom is an expression made by a group of words. Idiom expresses the meaning which is different from the literal meaning of the phrase. For example: break a leg – means good luck.

Complete answer:
The meaning of the phrase/idiom ‘Let the cat out of the bag’ is ‘to reveal the facts which were previously hidden’. So, here we have to find the meaning of the phrase/idiom out of the given options given in the question.
Option A) To reveal the secret accidently – the meaning of this sentence or clause is identical to the meaning of the given phrase in the question, the meaning of this option defines that ‘by chance the secret is revealed’. Therefore, this is the correct answer.
Option B) To do something mischievous – the meaning of mischievous is ‘naughty or bad or misbehaving’. So, the literal meaning of the phrase does not relate to any misbehaving or bad behavior. Therefore, this is an incorrect answer because this option does not give the meaning of the phrase.
Option C) To hide the cat in the bag – this option does not reveal the meaning of the phrase because this option explains that ‘hide the cat in the bag’. Therefore, this is an incorrect answer.
Option D) To take the cat out of the bag – again this is an incorrect answer because the meaning of this option is ‘take the cat out of the bag’ which does not explain the meaning of the phrase given in the question. Therefore, this is an incorrect answer.

Therefore the correct answer is option ‘A’.

Note: There is a slight difference between the phrase and idiom. Phrases give the exact meaning whereas idioms give the non-literal meaning. So, the idiom ‘Let the cat out of the bag’ is best explained in option B (To reveal the secret accidently). Therefore, this is the most appropriate answer as compared to any other option.