public knowledge
public knowledge — noun
1. facts or details about a subject that are widely known to the general public, us
facts or details about a subject that are widely known to the general public, usually because they have appeared in news reports or official announcements.
Talia's resignation was public knowledge long before the company made an official statement.
collocation: 'was public knowledge' before official event
Mayor Dewi Sanchez tried to keep the deal quiet, but it became public knowledge quickly.
Once the test results became public knowledge, Ravindra had to answer questions from his classmates.
It was public knowledge the hospital was understaffed, yet the board did nothing for months.
A reporter obtained the documents, and the contract details quickly became public knowledge.
- common knowledge
Very similar in meaning; 'common knowledge' can also refer to things people know without needing news reports (e.g. facts taught in school).
- open secret
Refers to information that many people know but that is not officially acknowledged; carries a stronger connotation of concealment.
- general knowledge
Broader — refers to facts an educated person is expected to know, not necessarily from current news.
- secret
Information deliberately kept from public awareness.
- private information
Details known only to a specific individual or group.
文法句型
it is/was public knowledge that + clause
became/was public knowledge
用法筆記
Typically follows 'become' or the verb 'be' (was, is). Frequently appears in the construction 'it is/was public knowledge that + clause.' The phrase most often refers to information about newsworthy events such as resignations, scandals, business deals, or institutional problems that has been disclosed through media coverage.