Nautical Term/Phrase Wednesday: Let The Cat Out of the Bag

By Dr. M, on April 29th, 2009 2 comments   Nautical Terms and Phrases, Social Sciences, Vessels and Equipment   Bosun, Cat, cat o' nine tails, Royal navy, whip  

In the Royal Navy the punishment prescribed for most serious crimes was flogging. This was administered by the Bosun’s Mate using a whip called a cat o’ nine tails. The “cat” was kept in a leather or baize bag. It was considered bad news indeed when the cat was let out of the bag.

2 comments to Nautical Term/Phrase Wednesday: Let The Cat Out of the Bag

• Karen James

  April 30, 2009 at 09:21 · Reply

  So how did that come to mean spilling the beans?

• Matt H.

  May 5, 2009 at 17:44 · Reply

  Maybe when you release the cat on a person they would spill the beans as a result?