Where did the expression cat in a bag come from? - briefly
The expression "cat in a bag" originates from an old scam where unscrupulous merchants would sell a cat instead of a piglet by concealing it in a sack. This deception led to the colloquial phrase being used to describe something that is not as it appears.
Where did the expression cat in a bag come from? - in detail
The idiomatic expression "a cat in a bag," also known as "let the cat out of the bag," has an intriguing origin that dates back to ancient times, with variations appearing in various cultures and languages. The phrase is used to describe the disclosure or revelation of a secret or surprise, often inadvertently.
In medieval England, one popular explanation for the phrase's origins involves the sale of pigs in sacks. Unscrupulous sellers would sometimes substitute a cat for a pig, leading unsuspecting buyers to purchase what they believed was a piglet but turned out to be a cat once the bag was opened. This deception was eventually discovered, and the phrase "don't let the cat out of the bag" became a warning against revealing secrets or surprises prematurely.
Another theory traces the expression back to ancient Greece. In Greek mythology, there is a story about Zeus and his lover Io, who he transformed into a cow to hide her from his jealous wife Hera. When Hera discovered Io's true form, she tied her up in a bag to prevent her from escaping, thus revealing the secret of Io's identity. This narrative underscores the idea of exposing hidden information or secrets.
In Scotland, there is a tradition related to the celebration of Hogmanay, the Scottish New Year. On this occasion, it was customary for neighbors to exchange gifts, often wrapped in bags. One of these gifts could be a black cat, symbolizing good luck and prosperity for the coming year. Opening the bag too early would reveal the secret gift before the proper time, hence the phrase "don't let the cat out of the bag."
Regardless of its precise origin, the expression has become widely used in English-speaking cultures to emphasize the importance of keeping secrets or surprises until the appropriate moment. The universality of the phrase underscores the human tendency to be curious and the desire to uncover hidden information, a theme that resonates across different times and cultures.