Come out of the closet
Reference
Definition
“Come out of the closet” is an informal idiom meaning to tell other people about a sexual orientation, romantic orientation, or gender identity that was previously kept secret.
Quick Facts
| Term | Come out of the closet |
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Meaning
To come out of the closet is to disclose a previously secret sexual orientation, romantic orientation, or gender identity to other people. For example, someone might come out of the closet as gay to their friends.
Broader idiomatic use
The phrase is also sometimes used humorously or informally for revealing another minority or disapproved-of identity, belief, or preference.