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Air One's Dirty Linen in Public

What Does "Air One's Dirty Linen in Public" Mean?

homeidiomsAir One's Dirty Linen in Public
"Air one's dirty linen in public" is an English idiom. It means "to discuss or expose one's private disputes or embarrassing matters in public."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "air one's dirty linen in public" used in a sentence:
  • I wish they wouldn't air their dirty linen in public; some things should be kept private.
  • He's the type who will air your dirty linen in public if you cross him.
  • Family issues should be resolved internally and not aired as dirty linen in public.
meaning for air one's dirty linen in public

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Air One's Dirty Linen in Public" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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