open the kimono

English

Etymology

Unknown. Possibly a calque of Japanese 胸襟を開く (literally “share one’s feelings”) or 裃を脱ぐ (literally “to be frank”).

Pronunciation

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Verb

open the kimono (third-person singular simple present opens the kimono, present participle opening the kimono, simple past and past participle opened the kimono)

1. (idiomatic, often business) To reveal confidential information, especially details of one's business operations.
   • 1999, Time, volume 154, numbers 10-17, page 72:

     For the first 10 minutes, Lui refuses to "open the kimono" and reveal details about the company.

   • 2014, Susie Wyshak, Good Food, Great Business:

     Before agreeing to “open the kimono” and show them everything, first ask exactly what they will want to see—all sales records, from all customers?