open the kimono


Also found in: Idioms.

open the kimono

A slang expression used to describe revealing all one's financial and other confidential information to a suitor who has expressed an interest in purchasing a company or some of its assets.The danger, of course, is gauging whether the suitor is serious or merely engaging in a spectator sport.

References in periodicals archive ?
As a result, litigation discovery can feel like being forced to open the kimono and expose the company's most valuable assets.
The Kimono Is Open: Strategically Blocking the View
Curated by Jake, NewsBiz is where we'll open the kimono on nonprofit news.
T-Squared: Trib Fellows Launch NewsBiz Site
Manufacturers in the era of reverse engineering may be reluctant to fully open the kimono, but that results in offerings that are by and large tame.
Defeating incrementalism
Financial browser ?
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