blow your cover
Meaning
To reveal your secret identity, role, or hidden plan—often by saying or doing something that exposes you.
Origin
From espionage and undercover work: a “cover” is a false identity or disguise. If you “blow” it, you destroy that protection and get exposed.
Notes
Suggests an undercover role or secret being exposed, often through a slip-up. Fairly informal; used literally for spies/police and figuratively for surprises or hidden motives.
Examples
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Don’t mention the project in front of them—you’ll blow your cover.
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He blew his cover by using the wrong name at the checkpoint.
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If you ask too many questions, you might blow your cover as a new employee.
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She tried to act casual, but her accent almost blew her cover.
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We can’t park outside the building again; it could blow our cover.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Possessive varies (blow my/your/his cover). Verb inflects (blew, blown). Often appears as “blow someone’s cover” or passive “have your cover blown.”
Synonyms
- give yourself away
- reveal yourself
- expose yourself
- blow your disguise
- tip your hand
Antonyms
- keep your cover
- stay undercover
- keep it under wraps
- maintain secrecy