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linen
(redirected from linens)

   Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, Hutchinson 0.01 sec.
air one's dirty linen in public and wash one's dirty linen in public
Fig. to discuss private or embarrassing matters in public, especially when quarreling. (This linen refers to sheets and tablecloths or other soiled cloth.) They are arguing again. Why must they always air their dirty linen in public? She will talk to anyone about her problems. Why does she wash her dirty linen in public?
See also: air, dirty, public

Do not wash your dirty linen in public.

Prov. Do not talk about your private family problems in public. Grandson: How are we going to make Dad stop drinking? Grandmother: Hush! Don't wash your dirty linen in public.
See also: dirty, public, wash

wash your dirty laundry/linen in public  (British & Australian) also air your dirty laundry/linen in public (American & Australian)
to talk to other people about personal things that you should keep private I was brought up to believe that it was wrong to wash your dirty linen in public.
See play dirty, talk dirty
See also: dirty, laundry, public, wash


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After being outbid in its efforts to buy both Toys 'R Us and Pathmark, NRDC Real Estate Advisors has closed on the acquisition of Linens 'N Things.
A washer-extractor with a higher extraction speed, or g-force, will leave less water in the linens at the end of the wash cycle, thus requiring less drying time and decreasing your costs for natural gas or electricity.
From the dishes to the linens to the lanterns, it's more upscale,'' says Pottery Barn spokeswoman Leigh Oshirak.
 
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