skeleton in the closet

/skˈɛlɪtən ɪnðə klˈɒzɪt/

/skˈɛlᵻtən ɪnðə klˈɑːzɪt/

something about a person's past that they do not want to reveal or mention because it is embarrassing or unpleasant

synonyms : skeleton

Examples

1. Most families have one or two skeletons in the closet.

2. He asked if she had any skeletons in her closet that might affect her political campaign.

3. If you've got a skeleton in the closet, it will probably be exposed during this campaign.

4. But DC aren’t the only ones with skeletons in their closet, Marvel has plenty of unmade films as well.