phrase
General Slang
open the kimono
OH-puhn thuh kih-MOH-noh · phrase · informal
To reveal previously hidden information.
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Definitions
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To share internal or confidential information openly with another party. Now widely avoided as dated and culturally insensitive.
“In due diligence they had to open the kimono on the finances.”
by community
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open the kimono In A Sentence
In due diligence they had to open the kimono on the finances.
Origin & Usage
1980s Americanism from Japanese business dealings; now often flagged as inappropriate.
Variants
opening the kimono
People Also Ask
What does 'open the kimono' mean?
To reveal previously hidden or confidential information, such as sharing full financials during due diligence.
Is 'open the kimono' offensive?
It's widely regarded as dated and culturally insensitive today, and many workplaces avoid it. Plainer phrases like 'be transparent' or 'share the details' are preferred.
Where does the phrase come from?
It emerged as a 1980s Americanism tied to Japanese business dealings, and has since fallen out of favour.
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