If you tell about something that was supposed to be a secret, we say you let the cat out of the bag.

VOA: special.2009.09.27

The phrase to be left holding the bag is as widely used as the expression to let the cat out of the bag.

VOA: special.2009.01.25

It let out a long, soft cry to the cold stars in the black sky.

VOA: special.2010.05.01

John Butterfield ordered his men never to let the mail out of their sight.

VOA: special.2010.04.26

In five of them, the rate at which fish are being taken out of the sea has dropped to a level that should let the populations recover.

VOA: special.2009.09.08

Another widely-used expression is to let the cat out of the bag.

VOA: special.2011.05.22

Then turn the head to the side to let the water out.

VOA: special.2010.03.31

Sid sneered. 'But to make sure nobody'll let you out, I'll just take this key along.'" "When Nancy could no longer hear the tramp of his heavy boots she was sure Sid had left the house.

VOA: special.2009.08.24

"Just in case there is any confusion out there, let me be clear: I am not going to walk away from health insurance reform.

VOA: standard.2010.02.06

You won't believe this. Let's try to focuswhile we check those out, huh, guys?

VOA: standard.other

Since it was just me and Mama and we had all these empty rooms, Mama decided to let those rooms out, mostly to people passing through, Like from, oh, Mobile,Montgomery, places like that.

VOA: standard.other

"It might not be a bad idea to let people know verbally, out loud,for all the world to see, , the kind of support,at least talk, that we appreciate what they are doing and that we are inspired by their courage.

VOA: standard.2009.10.28