CAT IS (WAS, GOT, LEAPS, ETC.) OUT OF THE BAG, THE

the secret has been disclosed; data priorly hidden has been made known, sometimes at the wrong time or accidentally. This phrase dates back to the eighth century when, in some areas, religious law forbade the selling and eating of pork. Pork lovers had to purchase their suckling pigs hidden in bags in the dark. In some instances, dishonest farmers would substitute a cat for a valuable pig. When the customer got home and the bag was opened, the trick would be disclosed and, literally, the cat would be out of the bag.