Skeletons in the Closet — Meaning, Usage & Examples

What it means...

Embarrassing or shameful secrets from the past that someone wants to keep hidden.

When someone has skeletons in the closet, they have old secrets that could be damaging if revealed.

It's used for anything from personal embarrassments to serious past wrongdoings.

Use it when…

When a public figure's past misconduct is about to be revealed
When someone in a new relationship is hiding details from their past
When a company or organization has hidden problems that could become public

Don’t confuse with...

"Dirty Laundry"

—

Personal or private problems that are embarrassing to have exposed publicly

"A Dark Past"

—

A history involving serious mistakes, crimes, or painful experiences

"Skeletons in the Closet"

—

Hidden secrets from the past that would be embarrassing or damaging if revealed

Where you’ll hear it

You’ll hear the "Skeletons in the Closet" idiom in real life — at work, in relationships, or in the media.

Work & Business

Corporate Issues

Due diligence revealed that the acquisition target had skeletons in the closet — unpaid debts and pending lawsuits.

Relationships & Social Life

Gossip / Talking About Others

Friends speculate that the seemingly perfect new neighbor probably has a few skeletons in the closet.

Media & Everyday Life

Politics

A journalist warns that every politician has skeletons in the closet — it's just a matter of when they surface.

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Use it like this

Here’s how to use "Skeletons in the Closet" idiom naturally in real conversations, with real examples.

Work & Business

Raising Concerns

Colleague

We're thinking about partnering with that firm — should we be worried?

You

Do some research first — companies that size often have skeletons in the closet.

Relationships

Honest Conversations

Partner

Is there anything from your past I should know about before we get more serious?

You

Everyone has a few skeletons in the closet — I'll tell you what's relevant.

Everyday Conversations

Opinions

Friend

He seems so clean and perfect — do you trust him?

You

Nobody's perfect — I'm sure he has some skeletons in the closet.

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Last updated:

April 20, 2026

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