I have stumbled on two phrasal verbs which perhaps mean the same thing. However, I decided to make sure whether they are interchangeable or there is any issue that I need to bear in mind prior to using each case properly.
If news or information gets out, people hear about it although someone is trying to keep it secret:
- I don't want it to get out that I'm leaving before I've had a chance to tell Anthony.
If secret information leaks out, people find out about it.
Scenario:
- I have to tell you something top-secret! As a dignitary you'd better know that they're planning a coup. Besides, by taking part in that convention you have endangered yourself. If I were you, I would definitely leave the country as soon as I could! Now, you should make a decision! Anyway, I said my mind. You know the rest! Just be careful that this news doesn't.........
a. get out
b. leak out
To me, they both mean the same, just I am not quite sure aside from their interchangeability in this particular case, whether they convey the same level of formality or one is more formal than the other one. I was wondering if you could give me a hand with this question.