spill the beans

Definition

To reveal a secret; to disclose information.

Etymology

First attested in 20th century American English. One possible origin for the phrase is from an Ancient Greek practice of using different-coloured beans for voting, where spilling the jar containing them would unwantedly reveal the results, though this might be folk etymology.

Example Sentences

• "They had planned it as a surprise party, but somebody spilled the beans."
• "I guarantee you, someone's going to spill the beans and next thing this shit's all over the news."
• "He accepted a contract to kill you and Frank DePalma. You because she couldn't be sure what Wennington had told you, and Frank because he got cold feet and was about to spill the beans."