Phrase guide

the genie is out of the bottle

phrase · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

phrase

Meaning 1

Information has been released that will have ongoing consequences.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • It's been widely rumored the network was planning to cancel the show, but now the genie is out of the bottle and fans are furious.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: the cat is out of the bag

Antonyms: none provided

2

phrase

Meaning 2

Something has been brought into reality that cannot be eliminated or undone.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • I don't think there's any hope of repealing this city's silly parking bylaw. The genie is out of the bottle, sadly.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: what's done is done

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Dutch: de geest is uit de fles — information has been released that will have ongoing consequences
  • Polish: co się stało, to się nie odstanie — information has been released that will have ongoing consequences
  • Polish: co było, to było — information has been released that will have ongoing consequences