expression, ichidan verb
keep a secret when asked, but let it slip in casual conversation
Proverb describing how people may guard a secret under direct questioning, yet inadvertently reveal it when talking freely about something else.
彼は問うに落ちず語るに落ちるで、つい秘密を話してしまった。
He kept the secret when asked directly, but let it slip inadvertently while chatting—just like the proverb says.
A Japanese proverb contrasting direct questioning (問う) with casual talk (語る). The exact origin is uncertain, but it reflects a common observation about human nature.