dark secret
Hidden shameful information
Use `dark secret` for serious, shameful hidden truths, not for lighthearted or positive surprises.
In 15 Sekunden
- A serious, shameful, or shocking piece of hidden information.
- Often used in storytelling, gossip, or deep personal confessions.
- Implies that the truth would cause a major scandal.
Bedeutung
A 'dark secret' is a piece of information that someone keeps hidden because it is embarrassing, shocking, or even illegal. It is something that could seriously change how people see you if they found out.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Discussing a movie plot
The main character has a dark secret that could ruin his career.
The main character has a dark secret that could ruin his career.
Gossiping with a close friend
I think that family is hiding a dark secret in their basement.
I think that family is hiding a dark secret in their basement.
A dramatic confession
It is time I told you my dark secret: I was the one who leaked the files.
It is time I told you my dark secret: I was the one who leaked the files.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The phrase draws from the 19th-century 'Gothic' literary tradition where characters often hid shameful pasts. It gained massive popularity in Hollywood 'Film Noir' during the 1940s, where every protagonist had a troubled history. Today, it is a staple of tabloid journalism and psychological thrillers.
The 'Deep' Connection
If you want to sound even more dramatic, say 'deep, dark secret.' It's a very common set phrase in English.
Don't overdo it!
If you use 'dark secret' for everything, people will think you are being overly dramatic or sarcastic.
In 15 Sekunden
- A serious, shameful, or shocking piece of hidden information.
- Often used in storytelling, gossip, or deep personal confessions.
- Implies that the truth would cause a major scandal.
What It Means
Imagine a secret that isn't just a surprise party. A dark secret is heavy. It carries a sense of shame or mystery. It is something you hide deep inside your 'closet.' If it came out, it might cause a scandal. It usually involves something morally wrong or very private.
How To Use It
You use this phrase as a noun. You can 'have' a dark secret. You can 'hide' one. Or, if you are feeling brave, you can 'reveal' one. It often appears in stories, movies, and gossip. It sounds a bit dramatic, so use it when the stakes are high. It is not for small things like eating the last cookie.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing a character in a movie. Use it when talking about a big family mystery. You might use it in a deep conversation with a best friend. It works well when someone is acting very suspicious. It is perfect for true crime podcasts or thriller novels. Use it when the truth is truly shocking.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for lighthearted secrets. If you forgot to wash your socks, that is not a dark secret. Avoid using it in a professional job interview. It might make you sound like a movie villain. Don't use it for positive surprises. A surprise birthday gift is never 'dark.' Keep it for the serious stuff.
Cultural Background
Western culture loves the idea of the 'hidden self.' We have a long history of Gothic literature and film noir. These stories always feature a hero with a dark secret. It taps into the human fear of being judged. It also relates to the idiom 'skeletons in the closet.' Everyone wonders what others are hiding behind closed doors.
Common Variations
You might hear people say someone has a dark past. This means their history is full of these secrets. Another variation is a deep, dark secret. Adding 'deep' makes it sound even more mysterious. Sometimes people use it sarcastically. They might say, "My dark secret is that I like pineapple on pizza."
Nutzungshinweise
The phrase is highly versatile but carries a strong emotional weight. Avoid using it for trivial matters unless you are intentionally being funny or sarcastic.
The 'Deep' Connection
If you want to sound even more dramatic, say 'deep, dark secret.' It's a very common set phrase in English.
Don't overdo it!
If you use 'dark secret' for everything, people will think you are being overly dramatic or sarcastic.
Skeletons in the Closet
This is a common idiom that means the same thing. If someone has 'skeletons in their closet,' they have dark secrets.
Beispiele
6The main character has a dark secret that could ruin his career.
The main character has a dark secret that could ruin his career.
Standard use in a narrative context.
I think that family is hiding a dark secret in their basement.
I think that family is hiding a dark secret in their basement.
Used to express suspicion or intrigue.
It is time I told you my dark secret: I was the one who leaked the files.
It is time I told you my dark secret: I was the one who leaked the files.
Shows the weight of the confession.
My dark secret is that I actually enjoy watching bad reality TV.
My dark secret is that I actually enjoy watching bad reality TV.
Using the heavy phrase for something trivial for comedic effect.
He never leaves his house... he must have a dark secret! lol
He never leaves his house... he must have a dark secret! lol
Informal speculation between friends.
Every town has a dark secret, but this one is deadly.
Every town has a dark secret, but this one is deadly.
Commonly used in marketing for thrillers.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best word to complete the sentence about a serious scandal.
The politician's career ended when his ___ secret was finally revealed.
A 'dark secret' implies something shameful enough to end a career, unlike 'bright' or 'small'.
Identify the correct verb to use with the phrase.
She has been ___ a dark secret for over twenty years.
In English, we 'keep' secrets, we don't 'make' or 'do' them.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality of 'Dark Secret'
Used jokingly about small habits.
My dark secret is I hate coffee.
Standard use in conversation or books.
He is hiding a dark secret.
Used in literature or journalism.
The company's dark secret was exposed.
When to use 'Dark Secret'
Movie Night
The villain has a dark secret!
Deep Talk
I have a dark secret to tell you.
Gossip
What is their dark secret?
Sarcasm
My dark secret is I love 80s pop.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, usually. The word 'dark' implies something negative, shameful, or morally questionable.
No, that would be confusing. Use surprise or secret instead, as a party is a happy event.
Only if you are discussing a serious scandal or a legal issue. Otherwise, it sounds too theatrical.
A secret is just unknown info; a dark secret is specifically something bad or shocking.
No, 'black secret' is not a standard expression in English. Always use dark secret.
Yes, it is used equally in American, British, and Australian English.
Use it for something very small, like My dark secret is that I don't like chocolate.
Common verbs include keep, hide, reveal, uncover, and expose.
It is neutral. You can find it in high-quality literature or hear it in casual gossip.
Not necessarily. A company, a town, or even a government can have a dark secret.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Skeletons in the closet
Dirty little secret
Hidden agenda
Dark past
Cover-up
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