Imagine someone looking perfectly calm and confident, but deep down, they’re hiding something from the past. Maybe a secret mistake, a shameful moment, or a truth they don’t want anyone to know. That’s when we say they’ve got skeletons in the closet. In this post, we’ll unpack the meaning, explore the spooky origin, and look at some real-world examples of this intriguing English idiom.
Meaning of “Skeletons in the Closet”
The idiom “skeletons in the closet” refers to secrets from someone’s past that they want to keep hidden, usually because they are embarrassing, scandalous, or shameful.
It can describe both personal and professional secrets — from minor embarrassments to major scandals.
In short:
“Skeletons in the closet” means hidden secrets that a person doesn’t want others to discover.
Origin of “Skeletons in the Closet”
The expression dates back to the early 19th century, most likely in Britain. During this time, people began using “skeleton in the closet” to describe hidden family scandals or dark secrets — much like a literal skeleton hidden away to avoid discovery.
One popular theory suggests it comes from the medical world. In the 18th and 19th centuries, doctors or anatomists sometimes kept human skeletons in their private rooms for study — something frowned upon by society back then. These skeletons were often hidden, hence the idea of keeping a “skeleton in the closet.”
Another theory is more metaphorical: the “skeleton” symbolizes the remains of something dead or shameful, while the “closet” represents a private space meant to hide what we don’t want others to see.
Whichever version you prefer, the idiom captures the same chilling concept — secrets tucked away out of sight.
Examples in Sentences
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Formal: “The politician’s campaign collapsed when journalists discovered his skeletons in the closet.”
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Casual: “Everyone’s got a few skeletons in the closet — nobody’s perfect!”
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Workplace: “Before hiring a new CEO, the company did a background check to make sure there were no skeletons in the closet.”
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Personal: “I’d rather be honest than keep any skeletons in the closet.”
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Media/Pop Culture: “That reality show loves to dig up contestants’ skeletons in the closet for drama.”
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Humorous: “My biggest skeleton in the closet? I once ate an entire cake by myself and blamed the dog.”
Similar Idioms or Phrases
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“Bury the past” – To hide or forget past mistakes or unpleasant experiences.
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“Air one’s dirty laundry” – To publicly talk about personal or family problems that are usually kept private.
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“Keep something under wraps” – To keep something secret or undisclosed.
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“A dark secret” – A simple, direct phrase meaning a troubling secret from the past.
PERSONAL INSIGHT
I find “skeletons in the closet” such a vivid idiom — it instantly paints a picture! I often use it when talking about people who seem flawless on the surface but probably have their own untold stories. It’s a reminder that everyone has a past, and sometimes, those hidden “skeletons” make us more human.
CONCLUSION
So, “skeletons in the closet” is all about the secrets or mistakes people keep hidden, whether for pride, fear, or privacy. It’s an idiom rich with imagery and history, perfect for describing those moments when the past comes knocking.
Do you use skeletons in the closet in your everyday conversations? Share your examples in the comments below — and don’t worry, your secrets are safe here! 🗝️💀