MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Where did the expression “Let the cat out of the bag” come from?

british cat in a paper bag

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Where did the expression “Let the cat out of the bag” come from?

You’ve heard it many times, probably even used it yourself. But it’s such an odd phrase that like me I’m sure you’re wondering where exactly “let the cat out of the bag” came from?

Centuries ago merchants who sold piglets to people in markets used to sometimes fool the customer by switching out the pig and putting a cat in their bag when the person wasn’t looking after they already paid for it. It wasn’t until the customer got home and… ready for it… “let the cat out of the bag” that they realized they had been duped!

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