Jackspeak of the Royal Canadian Navy

Let the Cat Out of the Bag

According to naval folklore, this term has its roots in the act of removing the "cat" (cat o' nine tails) from its bag in a preparation to administer a punishment. However, no evidence actually documents that such whips were stored in sacks, or that the phrase "let the cat out of the bag" was even associated with maritime origins or usage.

Added: 2014-11-01 Last modified: 2014-11-01