skeleton in the closet meaning

UK /ˈskɛlɪtən ɪn ðə ˈklɒzɪt/ US /ˈskɛlətən ɪn ðə ˈklɑzət/ 7 syllables

skeleton in the closet (noun): a scandal that is kept secret.

Definition of skeleton in the closet

  1. a scandal that is kept secret
    • there must be a skeleton somewhere in that family's closet

    Synonyms: skeleton, skeleton in the cupboard

    Type of: scandal

How to pronounce skeleton in the closet

skeleton in the closet is pronounced /ˈskɛlɪtən ɪn ðə ˈklɒzɪt/ in British English and /ˈskɛlətən ɪn ðə ˈklɑzət/ in American English. It has 7 syllables.

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