don't let the cat out of the bag vs please don't let the cat out of the bag

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Don't let the cat out of the bag' is a common idiom meaning not to reveal a secret or surprise, while 'Please don't let the cat out of the bag' adds a polite request to the same meaning.

Last updated: March 21, 2024

don't let the cat out of the bag

This phrase is a common idiom in English, meaning not to reveal a secret or surprise.

This phrase is used to warn someone not to disclose confidential information or spoil a surprise.

Examples:

I know about the surprise party, so don't let the cat out of the bag.
We have to keep this project under wraps, so don't let the cat out of the bag.

Show examples from the web [+]

Don't forget that this is a secret, so whatever you do, don't let the cat out of the bag. Origin: Possibly related to the fact that in England in the Middle Ages, piglets ...
Dec 1, 2013 ... Don't Let the Cat Out of the Bag! Now, the VOA Special English program Words and Their Stories. Different people have different ways of ...
... the cat out of the bag when he arrived for the surprise party at the same time as the guest. From the Blogs: Car Auction Secret: Don't let the cat out of the bag ...
Don't let the cat out of the bag!" All of Martha's coworkers change the subject of conversation and say nothing of the party because the party is to be a surprise.

Alternatives:

keep it under your hat
keep it a secret
keep mum
keep a lid on it
keep quiet about it

please don't let the cat out of the bag

This phrase is correct and adds a polite request to the common idiom 'don't let the cat out of the bag.'

This phrase is used to politely ask someone not to reveal a secret or surprise.

Examples:

Please don't let the cat out of the bag about the new product launch.
I trust you to keep this information confidential, so please don't let the cat out of the bag.

Show examples from the web [+]

Please don't let the cat out of the bag. No, I'm not going to let the cat out of the bag. I'm glad you didn't let the cat out of the bag. If you do that, I'll let the cat out of ...
Please don't let the cat out of the bag. 7. Please stop beating around the bush. 8. By lunchtime, he was licking his chops. 9. When chosen for the school play, ...
Ответ: I want you to drive to that supermarket and buy a watch as a birthday present for your uncle, but, please, don't let the cat out of the bag! let the cat out of ...
Please don't let the cat out of the bag, he's anxiously looking to turn the world on it's ear. In the meantime, you can stalk his excesses of food, beverage and other ...

Alternatives:

please keep it under your hat
please keep it a secret
please keep mum
please keep a lid on it
please keep quiet about it

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don't let the cat out of the bag vs please don't let the cat out of the bag