APAD: A skeleton in the closet

Meaning:

 

Despite appearances to the contrary, there is a well-hidden secret that could be

damaging or embarrassing.

 

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I first met a similar expression in the dear old New Concept English 3 where

someone has a real skeleton in his cupboard and scared the hell out of his friend.

 

Then it appeared in the British comedy "Four Weddings and a Funeral" where

Charles (played by Hugh Grant) was delivering his best-man speech at a wedding:

"Today we're talking about Angus. There were no skeletons in HIS cupboard. Or so

I thought!"

 

So it seems the Brits prefer 'cupboard' to 'closet.'