wash one's dirty linen in public

wash one's dirty linen in public
air one's dirty linen in public & wash one's dirty linen in public
Fig. to discuss private or embarrassing matters in public, especially when quarreling. (This

linen

refers to sheets and tablecloths or other soiled cloth.) •

They are arguing again. Why must they always air their dirty linen in public?

She will talk to anyone about her problems. Why does she wash her dirty linen in public?

* * *
See: AIR ONE'S DIRTY LINEN IN PUBLIC.

Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • wash one's dirty linen in public — See: AIR ONE S DIRTY LINEN IN PUBLIC …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • wash one's dirty linen in public — phrasal : to carry on or discuss pesonal, domestic, or private quarrels or scandals in public advised the members of his party not to wash their dirty linen in public * * * wash one s dirty linen in public or (rare) ● linen * * * wash one s dirty …   Useful english dictionary

  • wash\ one's\ dirty\ linen\ in\ public — • air one s dirty linen in public • wash one s dirty linen in public v. phr. To talk about your private quarrels or disgraces where others can hear; make public something embarrassing that should be kept secret. Everyone in the school knew that… …   Словарь американских идиом

  • wash one's dirty linen in public — ► wash one s dirty linen (or laundry) in public informal discuss one s personal affairs in public. Main Entry: ↑wash …   English terms dictionary

  • one does not wash one’s dirty linen in public — It is unwise to publicize private disputes or scandals. The saying is very often used in the metaphorical phrase to wash one’s dirty linen in public. Cf. Fr. c’est en famille, ce n’est pas en publique, qu’on lave son linge sale, one washes one’s… …   Proverbs new dictionary

  • wash one's dirty laundry in public — ► wash one s dirty linen (or laundry) in public informal discuss one s personal affairs in public. Main Entry: ↑wash …   English terms dictionary

  • wash one's dirty linen (or laundry) in public — informal discuss one s personal affairs in public. → wash …   English new terms dictionary

  • air one's dirty linen in public — or[wash one s dirty linen in public] {v. phr.} To talk about your private quarrels or disgraces where others can hear; make public something embarrassing that should be kept secret. * /Everyone in the school knew that the superintendent and the… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • air one's dirty linen in public — or[wash one s dirty linen in public] {v. phr.} To talk about your private quarrels or disgraces where others can hear; make public something embarrassing that should be kept secret. * /Everyone in the school knew that the superintendent and the… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • air\ one's\ dirty\ linen\ in\ public — • air one s dirty linen in public • wash one s dirty linen in public v. phr. To talk about your private quarrels or disgraces where others can hear; make public something embarrassing that should be kept secret. Everyone in the school knew that… …   Словарь американских идиом

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