SKELETON IN THE CUPBOARD

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does skeleton in the cupboard mean? 

• SKELETON IN THE CUPBOARD (noun)
  The noun SKELETON IN THE CUPBOARD has 1 sense:

1. a scandal that is kept secret

  Familiarity information: SKELETON IN THE CUPBOARD used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SKELETON IN THE CUPBOARD (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A scandal that is kept secret

Classified under:

Nouns denoting natural events

Synonyms:

skeleton; skeleton in the closet; skeleton in the cupboard

Context example:

there must be a skeleton somewhere in that family's closet

Hypernyms ("skeleton in the cupboard" is a kind of...):

outrage; scandal (a disgraceful event)