Ever wondered what the origins of certain phrases and sayings are? Well then, you're in luck! Welcome to the first installment of "Why Do You Say That?", a continuing series on the meanings and origins of animal phrases!
"Let the cat out of the bag"
We use this phrase when someone tells a secret before it's time to, or let's out a bit of private information that wasn't intended to be shared with others. The roots of this phrase, however, are a bit more nefarious.
In feudal England, land tenants were supposed to turn over a portion of all that they produced as their rent. Some folks, however, did a little illegal business on the side to make extra money, including the selling of suckling pigs. Since these animals were sold on the black market they were concealed in sacks to hide the transaction. Some shrewd businessmen found that you could easily substitute a cat in the sack for a piglet and make some easy money. Suspicious buyers who demanded to see the contents of the sack before purchase often had their suspicions confirmed when they "let the cat out of the bag".
*From Why You Say It by Webb Garrison
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