Useful English Word or Phrase to Boost Your English: Spill the beans

What does it mean?

To reveal a secret or tell the truth.

Is it positive or negative?

Neutral.

When do you use it?

Use it when someone shares information they were not supposed to.

Examples

Example 1: Come on, spill the beans about the surprise.

Example 2: He spilled the beans and ruined the plan.

Question for you

Who is most likely to spill the beans?

Are you looking for English speaking practice online?

Spill the beans is a fun idiom for secrets. We can practise it in online lessons with a British native speaker. For more everyday idioms, see take the biscuit. Find out more here.