SKELETON CUPBOARD Meaning and
Definition
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A skeleton cupboard, also known as a skeleton in the cupboard, is a metaphorical expression used to describe a hidden or secret past or a dark secret that someone wishes to keep hidden from others. The term draws its inspiration from the idea of a cupboard where skeletons, representing shameful or embarrassing secrets or truths, are hidden away.
The phrase is often used in a figurative sense to depict hidden aspects of a person's life, such as embarrassing incidents, unflattering truths, or past mistakes that the individual is not willing to reveal. The "skeletons" in this context symbolize shameful secrets or difficult experiences that may damage a person's reputation or relationships if they are exposed.
It is important to note that a skeleton cupboard is different from a literal cupboard where skeletons are stored. Instead, it represents the act of concealing or hiding something unpleasant or undesirable about oneself. The term can also be used to refer to a situation or subject matter that is considered taboo or forbidden within a particular society or group.
In summary, a skeleton cupboard is a metaphorical concept that refers to the hidden or secret aspects of a person's life or a taboo subject matter that they keep concealed from others. It reflects the reluctance or fear of disclosing embarrassing or damaging information that could harm one's reputation or relationships.
Common Misspellings for SKELETON CUPBOARD
Etymology of SKELETON CUPBOARD
The phrase "skeleton cupboard" does not have a specific etymology, as it is a figurative expression rather than a word with a clear origin in the English language. It is likely a combination of the words "skeleton" and "cupboard" used metaphorically.
The word "skeleton" dates back to the ancient Greek "σκελετός" (skeletós), meaning "dried-up body", which later evolved into the Latin "sceletus" and eventually entered the English language around the 16th century. The term originally referred to the bones of a body, stripped of flesh.
On the other hand, "cupboard" has its roots in the Middle English word "cupbord", derived from the Old English "cȳpel", meaning "shelf". The term was used to describe a piece of furniture with shelves or compartments for storage.
