<P> Letting the cat out of the bag or out of the box is a colloquialism meaning to reveal facts previously hidden . The facts were usually hidden from a specific target audience or theatrical audience . Examples include: </P> <Ul> <Li> revealing a conspiracy (friendly or not) to its target </Li> <Li> in a movie or play, the revelation of a plot twist </Li> <Li> letting an outsider into an inner circle of knowledge (e.g., explaining an in - joke) </Li> </Ul> <Li> revealing a conspiracy (friendly or not) to its target </Li> <Li> in a movie or play, the revelation of a plot twist </Li>

Where did don't let the cat out of the bag come from