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5 posts tagged with "Secrets"

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Phrasal Verb - Letting On

· 2 min read
Raymundo CH

Image illustrating the verb Letting On

Image uploaded to Pixabay by OpenClipart-Vectors

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Definition​

To 'let on' means to reveal a secret, disclose confidential information, or give a hint about something that was intended to be kept hidden or unknown. It often implies doing so unintentionally, carelessly, or without fully realizing the implications, rather than a deliberate act of betrayal. It can also mean to pretend or feign, especially when someone claims not to know something but actually does, but is giving subtle clues. The phrasal verb suggests a subtle or indirect disclosure, a slip of the tongue, or an inadvertent signal that betrays hidden knowledge or feelings, often leading to someone's surprise or the unraveling of a carefully guarded piece of information.

Examples​

No.Example
1She almost let on about the surprise party, but caught herself just in time.
2Don't let on to anyone that I'm leaving the company next month; it's still confidential.
3He tried not to let on that he was nervous, but his trembling hands gave him away.
4I didn't mean to let on, but I accidentally mentioned their secret engagement during dinner.
5She let on that she knew more than she was telling by her knowing smile and hushed tone.
6The children were told not to let on about the new puppy until Christmas morning.
7He pretended not to know anything about the prank, but his smirk let on that he was fully aware.
8If you let on about my plans to the boss, I'll never forgive you; it could jeopardize everything.
9The witness let on that there was more to the story than initially reported, hinting at a cover-up.
10Be careful not to let on anything to the new interns; this project is top-secret for now.

Phrasal Verb - Prying Into

· 2 min read
Raymundo CH

Image illustrating the verb Prying Into

Image uploaded to Pixabay by ukrtor

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Definition​

The phrasal verb 'pry into' means to try to learn or discover secret or private information by questioning someone repeatedly, often in an annoying or insistent way. It can also imply using persuasion, influence, or coercion to obtain information.

Examples​

No.Example
1My neighbor is always prying into other people's business.
2She tries to pry into the company's confidential files.
3He was prying into my personal life without my consent.
4The journalist was accused of prying into the politician's private affairs.
5Stop prying into my parents' financial matters.
6The detective was trying to pry into the suspect's alibi.
7They don't want anyone to pry into their private communications.
8The cheating spouse was caught prying into their partner's text messages.
9The thief was trying to pry into the safe where the valuable jewels were kept.
10Please respect people's boundaries and don't pry into their private life.

Phrasal Verb - shelling out

· 2 min read
Raymundo CH

Image illustrating the verb shelling out

Image uploaded to Pixabay by OpenClipart-Vectors

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Definition​

  1. To pay or hand over money, especially a large amount, usually reluctantly.
  2. To reveal or disclose secrets or information, often unwillingly.

Examples​

No.Example
1He had to shell out a lot of money for repairs after the car accident.
2The witness refused to shell out any information about the crime.
3Despite her initial reluctance, she eventually had to shell out the truth.
4The company was forced to shell out a huge settlement to the victims.
5After losing all his money in the stock market, he had to shell out for basic necessities.
6When asked about her affair with the boss, she finally had to shell out the truth.
7The government was criticized for shelling out millions on a new military project.
8The whistleblower was threatened with legal action if he didn't shell out the documents.
9Despite the high cost, the new software was worth shelling out the money.
10The thief was caught red-handed and had no choice but to shell out the stolen goods

Phrasal Verb - Giving Away

· 2 min read
Raymundo CH

Image illustrating the verb Giving Away

Image uploaded to Pixabay by Tnatura

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Definition​

  1. To voluntarily transfer something, usually without expecting anything in return.
  2. To reveal a secret or a hidden fact.
  3. To cease resistance or control in a situation, often implying defeat or surrender.

Examples​

No.Example
1He gave away all his savings to help his friend in need.
2The detective gave away the location of the hidden treasure.
3After losing the game, the player gave away his queen.
4The politician was forced to give away sensitive information.
5The thief gave away his accomplice's name to the police.
6The dog gave away its position by barking.
7The defendant gave away his innocence by his nervous behavior.
8The manager gave away the secret of the company's new product.
9The witness gave away the identity of the suspect.
10The host gave away prizes to the audience during the show.

Phrasal Verb - Letting Out

· 2 min read
Raymundo CH

Image illustrating the verb Letting Out

Image uploaded to Pixabay by geralt

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Definition​

  1. To cause something, especially a secret, to be known or become public.
  2. To release or permit something to be released, especially suddenly or unintentionally.
  3. To allow someone to leave a place or go away.

Examples​

No.Example
1The whistleblower let out sensitive information to the media.
2The fireworks let out a loud bang, startling everyone.
3The car let out a cloud of smoke as it drove away.
4He let out a sigh of relief after passing the exam.
5She let out a cry of joy when she saw the surprise party.
6The prisoners were let out of their cells after the riot was quelled.
7The manager let out the new employee after only a week of training.
8The dog let out a bark when it heard a knock on the door.
9The explosion let out a bright light, illuminating the night sky.
10The teacher let out the class early due to bad weather.