spill the beans

Idioms and Phrases

Disclose a secret or reveal something prematurely, as in You can count on little Carol to spill the beans about the surprise . In this colloquial expression, first recorded in 1919, spill means “divulge,” a usage dating from the 1500s.

Example Sentences

They can feign respect for Trump and prevent their media from spilling the beans.

From Salon

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said the sausage made the trip with the team, but wouldn’t spill the beans on how the well-traveled piece of meat made it over the border into Canada.

From Seattle Times

On Saturday, her pal, YouTube star Tana Mongeau appeared to spill the beans on the baby’s arrival before Cummings could, sharing an Instagram story featuring the postpartum mom.

From Los Angeles Times

The comic book writer, whose works have been adapted into award-winning television series, spilled the beans on his frequent collaborator Steven Yeun’s Marvel debut.

From Los Angeles Times

When Aaliyah confronts Lydia, the confidant spills the beans and begins listing all the personal details about Uche's life: his wealth, his friends and even his poor dog.

From Salon