Meaning of open secret | Babel Free

Definitions

1. Information that is widely known, but not acknowledged openly.
2. Information that is not widely known, despite being freely available.
   dated

Examples

“At that time, the corruption in the mayor's office was an open secret.”

“1894, Alvan S. Southworth, "A Generation of the New York Bar", in Frank Leslie's Popular Monthly (later The American Magazine), Volume XXXVII, page 427, It was an open secret in the profession at that time that Mr. Field had very explicit documentary evidence that would have made Mr. Evarts very uncomfortable had the Bar Association thrown down the gauntlet.”

“Speed limits apply at many points on the line, in addition to the general 25 m.p.h. limit over the whole Dromod-Belturbet section, but it is an open secret that speeds often rise above the statutory limit.”

“It is now an open secret that Gulf states have developed ties with Israel, in the absence of formal relations, including trade partnerships and security deals.”

“The relationship between [Laurent] Freixe and his subordinate was an “open secret” in the company's management, current and former Nestlé executives tell the FT.”

“The wonderful dining options in this city are hidden gems — an open secret.”

CEFR level