an open secret

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an open secret" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is supposed to be a secret but is widely known or acknowledged by many people. Example: "Although the company claimed to be expanding, it was really an open secret that they were struggling financially."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's an open secret".

The Guardian

It was an open secret.

BBC

His behavior was an open secret.

The New York Times

Everybody knows that; it's an open secret.

The New York Times

violations, according to some experts — are an open secret.

The New York Times

Public craving for convictions will be an open secret.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the military involvement is an open secret.

The New York Times

That Cukor was gay was something of an open secret.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's an open secret that the current I.P.O.

The New Yorker

Mr. Meakem also touches upon an open secret of commuting.

The New York Times

The airfield is still something of an open secret.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an open secret" when you want to emphasize that something is widely known, even though it is officially supposed to be a secret. It adds a sense of irony or knowingness to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "an open secret" if the information is known only to a very small group of people. It should be something generally known within a larger context, not just a private understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an open secret" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in describing information widely known but not officially acknowledged. Examples show it characterizing situations, behaviors, or facts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an open secret" is a common noun phrase used to describe something widely known but not officially acknowledged. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions to highlight a discrepancy between official statements and general understanding. Appearing frequently in News & Media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. Consider alternatives such as "public knowledge" or "common knowledge" for nuanced expression. Use it to add irony and knowingness, but avoid it when the information is known only to a small group.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

public knowledge

Focuses on the widespread awareness of the information.

common knowledge

Emphasizes that the information is widely available and understood.

commonly known fact

Emphasizes the factual nature and common understanding.

widely acknowledged truth

Highlights the acceptance of something as true by many people.

thinly veiled secret

Indicates the secret is poorly concealed.

poorly kept secret

Implies a lack of effort in maintaining secrecy.

generally understood

Focuses on broad agreement, even without explicit statement.

unspoken truth

Highlights the fact that the truth is not explicitly stated but still understood.

poorly concealed fact

Suggests the secret is not well hidden.

everybody knows

Directly states that the information is universally known.

FAQs

How can I use "an open secret" in a sentence?

Use "an open secret" to describe something that is supposed to be confidential but is actually common knowledge. For example, "It's "an open secret" that the company is planning layoffs."

What is the difference between "an open secret" and "a rumor"?

"An open secret" is something widely known but not officially acknowledged, while "a rumor" is unverified information that may or may not be true. Something can transition from "a rumor" to "an open secret" when enough people believe it to be true, even without official confirmation.

What are some synonyms for "an open secret"?

Alternatives to "an open secret" include "public knowledge", "common knowledge", or "widely known fact". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "an open secret" in formal writing?

Yes, "an open secret" can be used in formal writing, especially when discussing political or business situations where information is unofficially known. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it's appropriate. For example, formal writing might benefit from a more technical phrase, such as "tacit agreement".