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Lets the cat out of the bag (7) - Crossword Clue
Answer: REVEALS
Understanding the Clue
- REVEALS fits naturally when solvers encounter idiomatic clues about disclosing secrets or hidden information.
- The phrase "lets the cat out of the bag" is a well-known idiom meaning to accidentally or intentionally reveal a surprise, secret, or confidential detail that was meant to stay hidden.
- This is classic crossword wordplay, using a proverbial expression to clue a straightforward verb for uncovering or making known.
- Crossword constructors favor REVEALS because it's a common, versatile word that pairs perfectly with secretive or surprise-themed idioms.
- The seven-letter constraint narrows possibilities significantly, making REVEALS the definitive answer among disclosure descriptors.
Why REVEALS Works for This Clue
- Idiomatic accuracy → Directly captures the meaning of unintentionally or deliberately exposing a secret, as in the full expression "let the cat out of the bag."
- Active disclosure → The verb form emphasizes the action of bringing something hidden into the open, central to the idiom's intent.
- Widespread usage → The phrase appears frequently in everyday conversation, media ("let the cat out of the bag about the surprise"), and discussions of spoilers or leaks.
- Contextual flexibility → Applies to secrets, plans, truths, or surprises, but the cat idiom evokes the classic accidental revelation.
Tips for Solving Similar Clues
- Pattern Recognition Strategy → When you see idiomatic clues involving animals or objects "out of" containers (e.g., cat/bag), consider verbs ending in -S for third-person actions, as these often describe revealing or exposing.
- Letter Placement → If you have crossing letters, prioritize filling in REVEALS's distinctive letters - the opening R or the E-A-L sequence, which limits alternatives quickly.
- Context Reading → Pay attention to the puzzle's overall theme. Secret, surprise, or gossip-themed puzzles heavily favor REVEALS, while mystery ones might pair it with "spill" or "leak" clues.
- Synonym Expansion → Build mental categories for "disclose" words by letter count - five letters (TELLS, SPILLS), six letters (EXPOSE), seven letters (REVEALS, DIVULGES), eight letters (DISCLOSES) - to speed up solving across idiom-themed puzzles.
- Cross-Reference Method → Don't solve in isolation. Use perpendicular answers to confirm middle letters (V-E-A) which are key to distinguishing from similar words like "releases" or "exposes."
Lets the cat out of the bag (7) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Could "SPILLS" also fit this clue?
A: SPILLS has six letters and relates to "spill the beans" (a similar idiom), but REVEALS (seven letters) is the precise match for the "cat out of the bag" expression.
Q: Are there alternatives if the letter count differs?
A: For six letters, try "EXPOSE" or "BLURTS"; for eight letters, "DIVULGES" might appear in similar secret-revealing clues. Always verify the exact letter count specified in parentheses.
Q: How do I distinguish between similar idiom clues?
A: "Lets the cat out of the bag" specifically wants revealing a secret (REVEALS), while "Spills the beans" seeks a similar disclosure word, and "Opens Pandora's box" points to unleashing troubles.
Q: Does REVEALS ever mean something else in crosswords?
A: Yes - occasionally clues reference "Shows" or "Unveils" (as in architecture or fashion), but context with the idiom clarifies the disclosure meaning.
Q: What's the difficulty level of this clue?
A: This rates as intermediate difficulty. Familiarity with the idiom helps quickly, but the clever phrasing rewards recognition, though newer solvers might think literally about cats before arriving at REVEALS.
