E. Cobham Brewer 18101897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Proclaim on the Housetop.
To proclaim or make known to everyone; to blab in public. Dr. Jahn says that the ancient Jews ascended their roofs to announce anything to the multitude, to pray to God, and to perform sacrifices (Matt. x. 27).
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No secret can escape being proclaimed from the housetop.London Review.