wɒʃ ˈdɜːrti ˈlɪnən ɪn ˈpʌblɪk
General
neutral
intermediate
- Literally:
- Cleaning dirty clothes where everyone can see
What does "wash dirty linen in public" mean?
- To discuss private matters publicly
- To expose embarrassing secrets openly
Examples
- I wish they wouldn't wash their dirty linen in public.
- The divorce case washed their dirty linen in public.
- Social media makes it easy to wash dirty linen in public.
Origin
From the embarrassment of showing dirty laundry to others. Private matters should stay private.
How to use it
Always disapproving—suggests inappropriate disclosure. British expression.
Similar expressions
air dirty laundry
expose secrets
publicize private matters
Opposites
keep private
maintain discretion
keep behind closed doors
Related idioms
- actions speak louder than words
What people do is more important than what they say
- better safe than sorry
It's better to be careful and prevent problems than to take risks
- so far so good
Things have gone well up to now
- easier said than done
Something is more difficult to do than to talk about
- make a long story short
To summarize or get to the point
- to make matters worse
In addition to existing problems
Use it in a practice answer
Try "wash dirty linen in public" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.