spoiler alert

Meaning

This phrase is a warning that a speaker or writer is about to reveal key plot details of a movie, book, or TV show. It is used casually to prevent ruining the surprise or ending for someone who hasn't seen or read it yet. It can also be used humorously or sarcastically in everyday situations when sharing obvious information.

Examples

• Spoiler alert: the main character doesn't survive the final battle.

  Spoiler alert: the main character doesn't survive the final battle.

• He yelled 'spoiler alert!' before describing the twist ending of the movie.

  He yelled 'spoiler alert!' before describing the twist ending of the movie.

• Spoiler alert: if you don't study for the exam, you probably won't pass.

  Spoiler alert: if you don't study for the exam, you probably won't pass.

• Please put a 'spoiler alert' tag on your review so people can choose to skip it.

  Please put a 'spoiler alert' tag on your review so people can choose to skip it.

• Spoiler alert: they actually end up getting married in the final episode.

  Spoiler alert: they actually end up getting married in the final episode.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Warning spoiler! The hero dies at the end.

  ✓ Spoiler alert! The hero dies at the end.

  While 'warning' is understood, the set idiomatic expression used by native speakers online and in conversation is 'spoiler alert'.

• ✗ I don't want to spoil you the movie.

  ✓ I don't want to spoil the movie for you.

  The verb 'spoil' takes the direct object (the movie) first, followed by 'for [person]' rather than placing the person directly after the verb.

Related Expressions

Practice

• ___! The main character was actually a ghost the whole time.

  💡 a warning that a plot detail is about to be revealed

  Show answer

  spoiler alert

• Before you tell me what happens next, please give me a ___.

  💡 a casual warning before revealing a story twist

  Show answer

  spoiler alert