What is the origin of the phrase "Let the cat out of the bag?"

Greg

The expression 'let the cat out of the bag' is based on the trading of pigs!! - the pig(let) used to be kept in a bag and some unscrupulous people would put a cat in the bag (cheaper than a pig) and trade it as if it were a piglet. Hence if you let the cat out of the bag you expose a secret! Oct 23 00, 7:35 PM

Owl Sage

The origin of the phrase a square meal comes from the fact that British war ships in the 1700s including the HMS Victory did not have the best of living conditions. A sailors breakfast and lunch were sparse meals consisting of little more than bread and a beverage. But the third meal of the day included meat and was served on a square tray. Eating a substantial meal onboard a ship required a tray to carry it all. Hence a 'square meal' was the most substantial meal served. This information came from mail bits Oct 25 00, 8:58 AM

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