Definition
To reveal confidential information, especially details of one's business operations.
Origins
Unknown. Possibly a calque of Japanese 胸襟を開く (“to share one's feelings”, literally “to open one's collar”) or Japanese 裃を脱ぐ (“to be frank”, literally “to take off one's haori and hakama (two garments worn over a kimono)”).
In Context
- "For the first 10 minutes, Lui refuses to "open the kimono" and reveal details about the company."
- "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?"