10 Common Sayings With Shockingly Weird Backstories

6. The Journey of "Let the Cat Out of the Bag"

The phrase "let the cat out of the bag" reveals a secret, often unintentionally. Its origins are believed to date back to the bustling marketplaces of medieval England, where merchants would sell piglets in bags. Unscrupulous sellers sometimes substitute a less valuable cat for a piglet, hoping the buyer wouldn't notice until it was too late. If the buyer opened the bag before purchasing, the cat would be released, revealing the deception. This colorful origin story highlights the interplay between commerce and language, as the phrase evolved from a literal act of exposing a fraudulent transaction to a metaphorical expression for uncovering hidden truths. The transformation of "let the cat out of the bag" underscores the adaptability of language, as it shifts from specific historical contexts to broader, more abstract applications. As we use this phrase today, we connect with a time when marketplaces were rife with trickery and deception, and language served as a tool for navigating these challenges. "Let the cat out of the bag" reminds us of the enduring power of secrets and how language can conceal and reveal the truth. It also serves as a cautionary tale, urging us to remain vigilant and discerning in our interactions with others.