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Truth, Secrecy, & Deception - Secrecy

Explore English idioms regarding secrecy with examples like "pull the stings" and "on the sly".

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English idioms relate to Truth, Secrecy, & Deception
fly on the wall

someone who watches or listens to everything that is happening without anyone noticing their presence

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Definition & Meaning of \"fly on the wall\"
to pull the strings

to have control over a person or thing, often in way that is not obvious

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Definition & Meaning of \"to [pull] the strings\"
under the radar

in a way that goes unnoticed or avoids attracting any attention

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behind closed doors

in a place where other people cannot see or know about

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behind the scenes

in a secretive way so that the general public is unaware of what is happening

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black book

a list with contact information of people whom one secretly communicates with

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in cahoots

used to refer to a situation where two or more people, organizations, etc. are secretly collaborating with each other to do something dishonest or illegal

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to have designs on something

to secretly or dishonestly intend to achieve wealth, power, etc.

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to laugh up one's sleeve

to secretly take pleasure in something or find it amusing, particularly someone else's problems and misfortunes

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like a thief in the night

used to refer to something that happens unexpectedly and without warning or detection

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to groan inwardly

to remain silent instead of expressing one's disapproval or distress

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in league with somebody or something

secretly making plans with another individual or group

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on the q.t.

used to refer to something that is done in a quiet or discreet manner

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on the sly

in a manner that is inclined to conceal a person's actual feelings and intentions

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through the back door

in a manner that is done secretly or subtly, often to achieve a desired result without drawing much attention

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dog whistle

a coded message intended to be understood by a particular group while remaining unnoticed or ambiguous to others

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