give the game away

Related to give the game away: On a par, in the first place, give rise to, in line with

give the game away

To reveal something that was meant to be kept secret, especially a plan. You're going to give the game away if you don't quit whispering about it! They were trying to sneak up on the other team, but John's bright T-shirt gave the game away.
See also: away, game, give
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

give the game away

Fig. to reveal a plan or strategy. Now, all of you have to keep quiet. Please don't give the game away. If you keep giving out hints, you'll give the game away.
See also: away, game, give
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

give the game away

COMMON If someone or something gives the game away, they reveal something which someone had been trying to keep secret. West had intended to make his announcement in an article in The Times but the paper gave the game away by advertising the article a week before publishing. She looks every inch a Beverly Hills native as she leans against a palm tree. Only the English accent gives the game away.
See also: away, game, give
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

give the game (or show) away

inadvertently reveal something secret or concealed.
See also: away, game, give
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

give the ˈgame away

(informal) (accidentally) reveal your own or another person’s secret plan, trick, etc. and so spoil it: Don’t laugh when he comes in or you’ll give the game away. The birthday present’s got to be a surprise. He can’t keep a secret, so never tell him anything important in case he gives the game away. OPPOSITE: keep somebody guessing
See also: away, game, give
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • give the (whole) show away
  • give the show away
  • connive at (something) with (one)
  • whisper about
  • whisper about (someone or something)
  • connive at
  • connive at (something)
  • connive
  • be in cahoots
  • cahoots
References in periodicals archive
From the outside only subtle styling changes betray the Sport as a performance vehicle,but the larger 7x16-inch special alloy wheels and body-coloured bumper give the game away.
Motor Max: Edge of your Seat
From the outside only subtle styling changes betray the Sport as a performance vehicle, but the larger alloy wheels and body-coloured bumper give the game away. On the inside, there is special black upholstery on the sports seats, and equipment includes climate control, electric windows and radio/CD.
Drive: A sporty little number from Seat
I won't give the game away but it does mean Iive got until Jubilee Week to sort out 50,000 nudie piccies of myself and a Lear jet.
Caught in my tender trap
IT is time to give the game away, in as far as the form of Droopys Zola is concerned at least.
Greyhound Ratings: Zola scores, and proves a point
LOVE IN A COLD CLIMATE Z Baby polar bear snuggles up to mummy bear for a playful moment EYES BRIGHT n A tree frog's orange eyes and feet give the game away among the leaves KISS ME KATE n A tender moment between mother and daughter
Who are yu calling wild?
Even if you get the dates right there's a risk your baby's blood group might not be the same as yours or your husband's, which would give the game away.
The Sex Doctor: Do I tell him or just keep mum?
'I place the juice in a great big stock pot, add the sugar -to tell you how much would be to give the game away! -and bring it to the boil, then let it simmer.
Living: Food: KITCHEN SECRETS
From the outside, only subtle styling changes betray the Sport as a performance vehicle, but the larger 7x16-inch special alloy wheels and body-coloured bumper give the game away.
Sporting new look for SEAT
Gillian Lawless, events and promotions manager for the City Centre Company, said: "We are hoping the climate changes for the better so our living sculpture doesn't sit and shiver and give the game away.
Love is on the air in the city centre
An insider revealed: "Lucas is shocked when Trina turns up in Albert Square and tries to keep her away from Denise but Patrick realises who she is and threatens to give the game away."
Trina comes to Square to get her man; EXCLUSIVE TELEVISION
I can't give the game away about the end, but those people who left before the final curtain missed the most dramatic scenes.
Powerful drama pulls no punches; REVIEW
And I didn't give the game away by putting this in the Mirror because the judges don't know what's going on in the real world.
IN DEFENCE OF DEALERS