expose private grievances
/ɪkˈspoʊz ˈpraɪvət ˈɡriːvənsɪz/
Meaning
To reveal personal complaints, grudges, or conflicts to the public or to people who are not involved. This formal expression is typically used to describe airing personal or relational disputes in an inappropriate, public forum.
Examples
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It is highly unprofessional to expose private grievances during a departmental meeting.
It is highly unprofessional to expose private grievances during a departmental meeting.
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Rather than resolving their issues in private, the couple chose to expose private grievances on social media.
Rather than resolving their issues in private, the couple chose to expose private grievances on social media.
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A mediator's role is to help both parties discuss their issues without needing to expose private grievances to the entire company.
A mediator's role is to help both parties discuss their issues without needing to expose private grievances to the entire company.
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She felt betrayed when her partner decided to expose private grievances to their mutual friends.
She felt betrayed when her partner decided to expose private grievances to their mutual friends.
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To maintain a professional environment, colleagues should avoid the temptation to expose private grievances.
To maintain a professional environment, colleagues should avoid the temptation to expose private grievances.
Common Mistakes
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✗ He exposed his private grievances at his friends.
✓ He exposed private grievances to his friends.
Use the preposition 'to' instead of 'at' to indicate the audience receiving or hearing the complaints.
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✗ They exposed private grievance during the dinner.
✓ They exposed private grievances during the dinner.
'Grievances' is almost always plural in this expression because it refers to a collection of complaints or issues.
Related Expressions
Practice
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In professional settings, it is best not to ___ in front of clients.
💡 Avoid sharing personal complaints with outsiders.
Show answer
expose private grievances
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Social media is not the appropriate platform to ___ about your family.
💡 To make personal conflicts public online.
Show answer
expose private grievances