Do not wash your dirty linen in public Meaning in English

expression

US

DOO not WAW-sh YOR, YUR DUR-tee LIN-un IN, in PUB-lik

UK

doo NOT wOSH YAW DIR-tee LIN-in IN PUB-lik

Definition

This expression means you should not discuss personal problems or family secrets in front of others. It suggests keeping private matters private.

Usage & Nuances

Used figuratively, often in family or work settings. Slightly formal or old-fashioned, but still understood. Alternatives: 'air your dirty laundry in public', 'keep it in the family'. Not used for minor complaints; applies to sensitive or embarrassing issues.

• Spanish: no laves tus trapos sucios en público
• Portuguese (BR): não lave sua roupa suja em público
• Portuguese (PT): não laves a tua roupa suja em público
• Chinese (Simplified): 不要在公众场合洗你的脏衣服
• Chinese (Traditional): 不要在公眾場合洗你的髒衣服
• Hindi: अपनी गंदी लिनन सार्वजनिक रूप से मत धोओ
• Arabic: لا تغسل غسيلك القذر أمام الناس
• Bengali: নিজের নোংরা কাপড় প্রকাশ্যে ধোবে না
• Russian: не выносите сор из избы
• Japanese: 汚れたリネンを人前で洗うな
• Vietnamese: đừng vạch áo cho người xem lưng
• Korean: 더러운 빨래를 공개적으로 하지 마라
• Turkish: kirli çamaşırlarınızı başkalarının önünde yıkamayın
• Urdu: اپنا میلا کپڑا سب کے سامنے مت دھو
• Indonesian: jangan mencuci pakaian kotor di depan umum

Example Sentences

We shouldn't do not wash your dirty linen in public at the meeting.

basic

My parents always say, 'do not wash your dirty linen in public.'

basic

It's best to do not wash your dirty linen in public about family problems.

basic

Honestly, we should handle this in private and do not wash your dirty linen in public.

natural

You know the saying: do not wash your dirty linen in public. Let's keep this between us.

natural

They started arguing at dinner, totally forgetting to do not wash your dirty linen in public.

natural