Learn
Watch & LearnLearning Paths
Daily EnglishSocial EnglishProfessional EnglishVOA English
Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Compare revealing a secret, asking for details, and talking too freely—while keeping the tone casual and context-aware.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptTo “spill the beans” is to reveal secret information, often accidentally. “Blurt out” emphasizes saying something suddenly without thinking, while “blab” can mean revealing something private or simply talking too much. “Spill it!” is a casual demand for details and may sound impatient or rude. This lesson distinguishes those choices from “let the cat out of the bag,” already taught elsewhere.
Cultural note: “Spill it!” can sound pushy, so use it only with people who are comfortable with that casual tone. “Blabbermouth” is an insult, not a neutral description. The article discusses an ancient-Greek voting story as a possible explanation for the idiom, but the origin is uncertain; do not present it as established history.
Keep exploringA secret can slip out, someone can blurt it, or a friend can ask you to “spill it”—the tone is not the same.
Phrase guide · 4 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Describe information becoming public, intentionally or by accident.
Meaning
Reveal secret information, often without intending to.
Tone & use
Informal. It often describes accidentally revealing a surprise or private detail.
Example
“I nearly spilled the beans about the farewell party, so I changed the subject.”
Compare sudden speech with a habit of talking too much.
Meaning
Say something suddenly and without thinking about how it may affect others.
Tone & use
Can describe a secret, an opinion, or any unexpected remark; it does not always involve private information.
Example
“He blurted out the answer before the rest of the group had finished discussing it.”
Meaning
Talk too much or reveal information that should have stayed private.
Tone & use
Informal and often disapproving. The context determines whether it means gossiping or simply talking at length.
Example
“Please do not blab about the schedule change until the team has been notified.”
Notice how a short demand for information can sound in conversation.
Meaning
Tell someone the details of something they want to know.
Tone & use
Very casual and direct; it may sound impatient or intrusive outside a close relationship.
Example
“When her friend noticed the new paint samples, she laughed and said, “All right, spill it—what are you planning?””
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
Try it · Choose the best expression
1 of 3