How do you say “Let the cat out of the bag” in French?
The closest natural French equivalent is vendre la mèche, which literally means “to sell the fuse”. English speakers use let the cat out of the bag to mean to reveal a secret, usually by accident. "Vendre la mèche" is the go-to idiom in French for accidentally or indiscreetly revealing a secret or surprise. Native speakers use it frequently in casual conversation. It is informal and common in everyday French.
Closest natural French
vendre la mèche
/vɑ̃dʁ la mɛʃ/
- Literal meaning
- “to sell the fuse”
- Register
- informal
- How often it's used
- common
- Equivalence
Near-exact equivalent
90 out of 100
What a native French speaker would actually say
While the English idiom "let the cat out of the bag" is often attributed to old market deceptions involving livestock sacks, the French equivalent "vendre la mèche" has military origins. Dating back to the 16th or 17th century, it literally refers to selling or betraying the fuse (la mèche) of a mine or bomb to the enemy, thereby ruining an ambush or covert operation before it could take place.
In contemporary French, "vendre la mèche" has shed its martial weight and functions exactly like the English idiom. Whether someone accidentally spoils a surprise party or prematurely blabs about an unannounced project, this expression captures both accidental indiscretion and intentional leaks in everyday informal conversation.
How close is the meaning?
- Meaning5 out of 5
- Tone5 out of 5
- Context4 out of 5
- Literal similarity1 out of 5
These ratings are editorial approximations, not measurements.
What are other ways to say it in French?
cracher le morceau
Literally: “to spit out the piece”
More akin to 'spill the beans' or confessing under pressure rather than an accidental slip.
dévoiler le pot aux roses
Literally: “to unveil the pink pot”
Used when uncovering or exposing a hidden secret, intrigue, or deception.
lâcher le morceau
Literally: “to let go of the piece”
Informal; implies finally conceding or letting a secret slip out.
Don't translate it literally
laisser le chat sortir du sac
This is a literal word-for-word translation that does not exist in French and will only confuse listeners.
Word-for-word versions like these are understood as literal statements in French, not as expressions.
In context
English
We wanted to surprise Sarah for her birthday, but Tim let the cat out of the bag.
French
On voulait faire une surprise à Sarah pour son anniversaire, mais Tim a vendu la mèche.
English
Don't let the cat out of the bag before the official announcement tomorrow.
French
Ne vends pas la mèche avant l'annonce officielle demain.
Related expressions
- What “Let the cat out of the bag” means in English
- Spill the beans, To give away a secret.
Last reviewed 2026-09-11