come out of the broom closet: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘come out of the broom closet’ mean?
The idiom "come out of the broom closet" means to openly reveal or admit one's involvement or interest in witchcraft or Wicca.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "get the dirty water off one's chest" means to confess or reveal something that has been bothering or troubling someone, in order to feel a sense of relief or release from the burden.
The idiom "get off one's chest" means to express or confess something that has been bothering or troubling someone, typically in order to provide relief or a sense of release.
The idiom *flush out* means to force someone or something out into the open, especially by using tactics or methods that expose their true nature or intentions.
The idiom "expose oneself" means to reveal or make known something that was previously hidden or secret, often in an embarrassing or vulnerable way.
The idiom "dig out of a hole" means to extricate oneself from a difficult or challenging situation through effort and determination.
The idiom "come up with" means to produce or find an idea, solution, or answer, often unexpectedly or under pressure.
The idiom "come to mention it" is used when someone suddenly remembers or brings up a particular topic or point during a conversation.
The idiom "come to light" means to be revealed or discovered, usually after being hidden or secret. It implies that information or facts are made known, often through investigation or examination.
The idiom "come out swinging" means to begin a competition or argument with great force or determination. It is often used to describe someone who starts a fight or confrontation aggressively and forcefully.
The idiom "come out of the woodwork" means to suddenly appear or emerge, especially in large numbers or from unexpected places. It is often used to describe people or things that suddenly become visible, noticeable or active.
Hidden Stories of the Broom Closet
The idiom "come out of the broom closet" is an idiomatic expression often used colloquially to describe the act of openly revealing or proclaiming one's involvement or belief in witchcraft or Wicca. This phrase is similar to the commonly known idiom "come out of the closet" which refers to openly declaring one's LGBTQ+ identity. Both idioms convey the idea of revealing a personal aspect of oneself that has been hidden or kept secret.
Historically, the phrase "come out of the broom closet" can be traced back to the feminist movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s. As women's rights advocates sought to challenge traditional gender roles and claim agency over their own identities, some women began to embrace witchcraft as a symbol of female empowerment and spiritual liberation. "Coming out of the broom closet" emerged as a metaphorical reference to the process of openly identifying as a practitioner of witchcraft, akin to the concept of coming out as LGBTQ+.
The idiom incorporates the term "broom closet," which is a play on the common phrase "skeletons in the closet," used to describe hidden or secret aspects of a person's life. In this context, the "broom closet" represents the concealment of one's witchcraft or pagan beliefs, implying that revealing these aspects of oneself may invite judgment or discrimination.
The idiom "come out" is another related phrase that can be connected to "come out of the broom closet." "Come out" is commonly used to describe the act of openly declaring one's sexual orientation or gender identity. Just as individuals may "come out" as LGBTQ+, some individuals may "come out of the broom closet" by openly acknowledging their involvement in witchcraft or Wicca. Both idioms emphasize the importance of self-expression and the freedom to openly share one's personal identity.
The idiom "come out of the woodwork" can also be related to "come out of the broom closet." "Come out of the woodwork" is used to describe when people suddenly appear or reveal themselves after remaining hidden or unnoticed. Similarly, individuals who "come out of the broom closet" may have been keeping their beliefs or practices secret, and then choose to openly share them. These individuals may have felt the need to "come out of the woodwork" to express their true selves.
The idiom "come clean" can be another connection to "come out of the broom closet." "Come clean" means to confess or admit the truth about something that was previously hidden or denied. By "coming out of the broom closet," individuals are essentially "coming clean" about their involvement in witchcraft or Wicca. They are openly acknowledging their beliefs and practices, without hiding or denying them any longer.
The idiom "come to light" is also relevant to "come out of the broom closet." "Come to light" means to become known or revealed. Similar to how secrets or hidden truths "come to light," individuals who "come out of the broom closet" make their beliefs and practices publicly known. They bring into the open what was previously kept hidden, inviting others to see and understand their true selves.
It is worth noting that the idiom "come out of the broom closet" is primarily used within the witchcraft and Wiccan communities, and may not be widely recognized or used in mainstream society. It serves as a way for individuals within these communities to discuss their personal experiences and struggles related to revealing their spirituality, often in a supportive and empathetic manner.
While the idiom primarily pertains to witchcraft, its underlying themes extend beyond religious or spiritual identification. The phrase encapsulates the broader idea of embracing one's true self, challenging societal norms, and asserting personal autonomy in the face of potential backlash or discrimination.
As with any idiom, the meaning and usage of "come out of the broom closet" may vary based on context, intent, and audience. It is important to consider the cultural and historical implications surrounding the idiom when engaging with or interpreting its usage.
The idiom "come out of the broom closet" embodies the metaphorical journey of openly declaring one's involvement in witchcraft or Wicca, emphasizing the themes of self-acceptance, empowerment, and challenging societal norms. While primarily used within specific communities, the phrase carries broader implications related to personal autonomy and the potential consequences of disclosing one's true beliefs.
Example usage
1. After years of keeping her true identity hidden, Sarah finally decided to come out of the broom closet and reveal to her family that she practiced witchcraft.
2. John was a closeted fan of fantasy novels for many years, but after realizing how much he enjoyed reading them, he decided to come out of the broom closet and share his love for the genre with his friends.
3. Emily was tired of hiding her interest in astrology from her colleagues. She felt it was time to come out of the broom closet and openly discuss her passion for studying the stars.
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