spills the beans crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "spills the beans crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide all possible solutions sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "spills the beans crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
REVEAL: To make known something previously secret or hidden.
7 Letters
DIVULGE: To make private or sensitive information known, often formally or in a broader context.
TELLALL: To reveal everything, especially secrets or scandalous information, often implying a comprehensive disclosure.
LETSLIP: To unintentionally reveal a secret or piece of information, often through an oversight or carelessness.
8 Letters
DISCLOSE: To make secret or new information known, often formally or in a legal context.
More About "spills the beans crossword clue"
The idiom "spills the beans" is a colorful way to describe the act of revealing a secret or confidential information. This phrase is a common and often intriguing clue in crosswords due to its idiomatic nature, requiring solvers to think beyond the literal meaning to find a synonym for "reveal" or "disclose." It's a classic example of how crosswords test your knowledge of language and common expressions.
The exact origin of "spilling the beans" is debated, with some theories tracing it back to ancient Greece where beans were used for voting, and accidentally overturning them would reveal the results prematurely. Regardless of its precise historical roots, the phrase has firmly cemented itself in modern English as a synonym for disclosing information, making it a favorite for crossword constructors who enjoy playing with figurative language.
When you encounter such a clue, the key is to recognize it as an idiom and search for words that mean to expose, uncover, or make public. Contextual clues within the puzzle might also hint at whether the "spilling" was intentional or accidental, which can help narrow down the possible answers like REVEAL, DIVULGE, DISCLOSE, or even LETSLIP.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For idiomatic clues like "spills the beans," consider if the action implies intentional revelation (e.g., REVEAL, DISCLOSE) or an accidental slip (e.g., LETSLIP). This can help you select the most precise answer.
- Think Synonyms Broadly: Don't limit yourself to direct synonyms. Think about related concepts such as making public, uncovering, or unmasking. Words like EXPOSE or UNCOVER might also fit depending on the context.
- Check Letter Count and Crosses: Always use the letter count provided and try to match your potential answers with intersecting letters from other clues. This is the most crucial step for verifying your solution in any crossword.
- Consider Phrasal Verbs: Sometimes, an idiomatic clue might lead to a phrasal verb answer, like "GIVEAWAY" for secrets. Keep an open mind to different grammatical forms.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "spills the beans" mean?
The idiom "spills the beans" means to reveal a secret or private information, often accidentally or prematurely. It implies making something known that was meant to be kept hidden.
Where does the phrase "spills the beans" come from?
While its exact origin is debated, a popular theory suggests it comes from ancient Greek voting. Beans were used to cast votes, and if someone 'spilled the beans,' it would reveal the results before they were officially counted. Another theory points to a more modern origin related to spilling a container of beans, thus revealing its contents.
Are there other idioms similar to "spills the beans"?
Yes, several idioms carry a similar meaning, such as "let the cat out of the bag," "give away the secret," or "blab." They all refer to the act of revealing confidential information, sometimes inadvertently or with malice.