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Dirty laundry Meaning in English

expression

ˈdɝti/ /ˈɫɔndɹi
DER-tee LAWN-dree
dˈɜːti/ /lˈɔːndɹi
DER-tee LAWN-dree

Definition

This expression literally means clothes that need to be washed. Figuratively, it refers to embarrassing secrets or private problems that people usually don't want to share in public.

Usage & Nuances

Commonly used in both literal (actual laundry) and figurative (embarrassing secrets) senses. In the figurative meaning, you'll often see 'air your dirty laundry', meaning to reveal private problems publicly. Usually considered informal.

Example Sentences

The basket is full of dirty laundry.

basic

I need to wash my dirty laundry today.

basic

She doesn’t like people seeing her dirty laundry.

basic

Let's not air our dirty laundry in front of everyone.

natural

He warned her not to share the family's dirty laundry online.

natural

They had an argument, but kept their dirty laundry private.

natural