skeleton in the closet
Meaning
A hidden and embarrassing secret about someone’s past that they don’t want others to discover.
Origin
Recorded from the early 19th century. The image is of a concealed corpse/skeleton hidden in a cupboard/closet—something shameful kept out of sight but potentially discoverable.
Notes
Common, slightly vivid/old-fashioned. Refers to an embarrassing secret in someone’s past; often used about public figures or organizations and the risk of exposure.
Examples
-
He seems confident, but everyone has a skeleton in the closet.
-
The reporter promised not to dig for a skeleton in the closet during the interview.
-
Before she ran for office, her team tried to make sure there was no skeleton in the closet.
-
I thought our friendship was solid until he revealed a skeleton in the closet.
-
The company’s sudden apology made people wonder what skeleton in the closet they were hiding.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as “a/the skeleton in the closet” or “have skeletons in the closet.” Plural “skeletons” is common when implying multiple secrets. Also appears as “skeleton in the cupboard” (esp. UK).
Synonyms
- dark secret
- dirty secret
- hidden shame
- skeleton in the cupboard
Antonyms
- clean record
- nothing to hide