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a piece of important business information or method that a company keeps private to stay competitive
a piece of personal or private information that one refuses to share with anyone
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "trade secret" and when to use it?
The idiom "trade secret" originated from the business world, where it referred to confidential information that a company keeps hidden from competitors to maintain a competitive advantage. These secrets could include formulas, processes, or methods that are crucial to the success of a business. Over time, the phrase expanded beyond business contexts to refer to any piece of personal or private information someone is unwilling to share, regardless of its professional relevance.
