Examples
Tim kept discussing his brother's drinking problem at the pub but I told him not to wash his dirty linen in public.
I know he's having an affair but do they have to wash their dirty linen in public?
Don't wash your dirty linen in public, save your argument for when you get home!
Feifei
Wash your dirty linen in public 的意思就是在公开场合谈论私人的秘密。不过话说,我觉得 Daisy 和 Tom 可不会在院子里谈论自己家里的事儿。
Rob
But I could hear what was going on.
Feifei
Are you sure? Because I spoke to Daisy and she said their washing machine had broken down and they were actually washing their clothes outdoors, in the garden. I think the noise was just them having a laugh.
Rob
But what about Daisy saying she was going to hang Tom out to dry?
Feifei
I think she meant she was going to hang Tom's clothes out to dry. 你就别再瞎操心了,and then you won't hear people washing their dirty linen in public – either literally or metaphorically!