21x20 Media presents
Spill the Beans
Why do we say spill the beans? We asked a bean. He knows exactly why, and he is not telling.
He knows. He is not telling.
A popular story traces the saying to ancient Greek voters dropping beans into a jar, but language experts have found no evidence for it. The phrase turns up in American newspapers by 1911, and in a 1919 novel: "Mother certainly has spilled the beans!"
Watch it here, then share this page so the title, artwork, and 21x20 Media credit travel with the film.
Studio21x20 Media
FormatAnimated short
Runtime1 minute, 16 seconds
Published
More from the studio
- The Adventures of Bella and PepperAnimated adventures of two real ponies, Bella and Pepper, who live at Cheshire Acres in a barn built like a pirate ship.Series, 2 episodes
- Hold Your HorsesA man is straining to hold back a horse. The horse would like to point out she is standing still.1 minute, 10 seconds
- Let the Cat Out of the BagWhy would anyone put a cat in a bag? We asked a cat. He would like it known he got in himself.1 minute, 13 seconds
- A Needle in a HaystackWe asked a needle who has been winning hide-and-seek for 500 years. She is not worried. Yet.1 minute, 11 seconds
- The Elephant in the RoomA very polite elephant sits through a tea party, a museum and a board meeting. Nobody says a word.1 minute, 12 seconds
- Raining Cats and DogsWe asked a very dry cat whether cats fall from the sky. She sent us to the frogs.1 minute, 17 seconds
- A Bull in a China ShopWe asked the bull. He has never broken a teacup in his life, and history is on his side.1 minute, 10 seconds
- When Pigs FlyWe asked a grand old sow in a mud bath whether pigs can fly. She told us to ask about the basket.1 minute, 18 seconds
- Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?We asked the chicken. She would like one small detail corrected, and she has been waiting 179 years.1 minute, 7 seconds
- Where Did OK Come From?We asked OK itself. It started as a spelling joke and was supposed to last a week.1 minute, 10 seconds
- How Much Wood?A paper-collage animated short that takes the classic woodchuck tongue twister very literally.1 minute, 4 seconds
