A dead giveaway Meaning in English
expression
ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈdɛd/ /ˈɡɪvəˌweɪ
uh DED GIV-uh-way
æɪ/ /dˈɛd/ /ɡˈɪvɐwˌeɪ
uh DED GIV-uh-way
Definition
Something that clearly shows or reveals something else, especially a secret or hidden truth.
Usage & Nuances
This is an informal, conversational idiom. Often used when a detail or sign makes it obvious what is really happening or being concealed. Commonly found with 'was' or 'is' (e.g., 'That was a dead giveaway'). Not used in formal writing.
Spanish: una pista evidente - algo que lo delata de inmediatoPortuguese (BR): uma pista óbvia - denuncia imediatamentePortuguese (PT): uma pista óbvia - denuncia imediatamenteChinese (Simplified): 明显的线索 - 一眼就能看出的东西Chinese (Traditional): 明顯的線索 - 一眼就能看出的東西Hindi: स्पष्ट सुराग - तुरंत उजागर करने वाली बातArabic: دليل واضح - علامة فاضحةBengali: স্পষ্ট প্রমাণ - ফাঁস হওয়া চিহ্নRussian: явная улика - очевидная подсказкаJapanese: 決定的な証拠 - ばればれな証拠Vietnamese: dấu hiệu rõ ràng - bằng chứng rõ mồn mộtKorean: 명백한 증거 - 딱 걸린 단서Turkish: açık kanıt - apaçık işaretUrdu: واضح ثبوت - کھلا اشارہIndonesian: bukti yang jelas - tanda jelas
Example Sentences
The lipstick on his shirt was a dead giveaway.
basic
Leaving the window open was a dead giveaway that someone had been inside.
basic
His nervous laughter was a dead giveaway.
basic
Those muddy shoes are a dead giveaway—you definitely went hiking!
natural
Your face was a dead giveaway when you saw your surprise gift.
natural
The open snack wrappers were a dead giveaway that someone raided the kitchen last night.
natural