Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

have-a-skeleton-in-the-closet

idiom

/ˈhæv ə ˈskɛlɪtən ɪn ðə ˈklɒzɪt/

Definition

To have a secret that could cause embarrassment or scandal.

Examples

Many politicians have a skeleton in the closet that could be used against them during elections.
She seemed perfect, but she has a skeleton in the closet that she has never revealed.
Finding out that his business partner had a skeleton in the closet put him on high alert.

Meaning

This idiom refers to a concealed issue or hidden past that someone prefers to keep private, often because it is shameful or potentially damaging to their reputation.