in the closet

The phrase "in the closet" metaphorically refers to hiding certain aspects of one's identity, often due to fear of social repercussions.

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Definition

B2Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

(colloquial)Concealing one's sexual orientation or gender identity from others.

Example

  • He remained in the closet for years, fearing his family's reaction.

B2General

(colloquial, figurative)Hiding any personal aspect or secret about oneself.

Example

  • She kept her political views in the closet to avoid conflict at work.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "in the closet":

closet casecloset of the heartbroom closetbehind closed doorsunder the coversin a cornerin the housein the darkin the roomon the down-lowin disguisein bedon the shelfin a boxunder the carpetbehind the curtainin pettoin the holein bed with