Those of you who can never keep a secret – no names of course – might be interested to know the origin of the expression “Let the cat out of the bag”.

This term comes from medieval times when a market vendor would openly display a sample of his wares and give the customer a bag, already packed, tied and ready to take away.

If a hare or a pig were shown for sale, the bag might contain a little kitty. The wary customer who opened the bag to check his purchase would discover the deception and “let the cat out of the bag”.