Commonly found variants; note these may range from acceptable alternatives to non-standard forms or incorrect spellings*.
* Singlish is a largely spoken creole, and as such descriptivism (recording forms that reflect actual pronunciation in spoken language, or as appearing in the linguistic corpus) is more pertinent than strict prescriptivism. Nevertheless, the use of more standard forms (or for words originating in languages with Latin script, such as Malay, accurate to the original spelling) is recommended and encouraged.

also can:

pecah lubang lobang pecah lubang pecah

pecah lobang

Malay:

pecah lobang

expand for details Detailed etymology

definitions

verb

  1. (metaphor) to reveal or expose a secret; to poke a hole in someone’s facade or deception; to let the cat out of the bag
  2. For the "0.01 per cent" , they are able not only to marry but also to live "normative heterosexual lives", as Chua puts it. "For the 99.99 per cent , we will pecah lobang."

    — 2019, Simon Vincent. The Naysayer’s Book Club: 26 Singaporeans You Need to Know. Epigram Books. ISBN: 9789814785853

    It's our business. And now they go and 'pecah lubang' (break the story). Why couldn't they just let things be?

    — 1991 July 13. The New Paper (quoting Joe), "Now, the cold shoulder". p.25

    Don't tell your lawyer about this, less risk, lah. Some lawyers don't like it. Keep it confidential. If lobang pecah, all gone ...

    — 1989 March 13. The Straits Times (quoting an anonymous racketeer), "'Take our jewellery and use it for bail, tell police it's yours'". p.18


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