skeleton in the closet

English

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

Noun

skeleton in the closet (plural skeletons in the closet)

1. (US, idiomatic) A shameful secret.
   • 1913 Eleanor Porter: Pollyanna: Chapter 9:

     "Humph!" she vouchsafed. Then, showing her old-time interest, she went on: "But, say, it is queer, his speakin' to you, honestly, Miss Pollyanna. He don't speak ter no one; and he lives all alone in a great big lovely house all full of jest grand things, they say. Some says he's crazy, and some jest cross; and some says he's got a skeleton in his closet."

Synonyms

• skeleton in the cupboard (UK)

Translations

shameful secret — see skeleton in the cupboard