dirty linen

The term "dirty linen" metaphorically highlights the concept of keeping personal or embarrassing matters private.

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ US Voice:
πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ UK Voice:

Definition

B2Privacy

(figurative, informal)Personal matters that could cause embarrassment if revealed.

Example

  • They decided not to air their dirty linen in public.

A2Household

(literal)Clothing or fabric that is soiled and needs cleaning.

Example

  • She put the dirty linen in the laundry basket.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "dirty linen":

dirty laundrydirty businessdirty feeddirty moneydirty kitchenwashing daylinen basketdirty wordlaundry listdirty pillowcome out in the washdirty magazine