Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

the genie is out of the bottle

idiom

/ðə ˈdʒiːni ɪz aʊt əv ðə ˈbɒtl/

Definition

A phrase used to describe a situation where something has been unleashed or made public, often referring to a fact or revelation that cannot be reversed or taken back.

Examples

Once the news went viral, the genie was out of the bottle, and there was no going back.
When they announced the plans for the new project, the genie was out of the bottle, and the community had many opinions.
After the scandal was exposed, it was clear that the genie was out of the bottle, affecting the entire organization.

Meaning

This expression suggests that once something has been revealed or set in motion, it is impossible to contain or control it. It typically indicates that the consequences of that revelation or action are now unavoidable.