Secret Idioms

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in the know

Meaning: Having inside information that most people have not been told.

Example: Only a handful of people at the company were in the know about the surprise merger. Read more ➺


keep it under your hat

Meaning: Keep something secret.

Example: Sarah told me about her new job and asked me to keep it under my hat until the official announcement. Read more ➺


on the sly

Meaning: Secretly; without letting others notice.

Example: Emma checked her messages on the sly during the meeting so that no one would see her using the phone. Read more ➺


steal a march

Meaning: To gain an advantage over someone by acting earlier or more cleverly than they do.

Example: By releasing the update first, the company managed to steal a march on its competitors. Read more ➺


lying in wait

Meaning: Remaining unnoticed until a problem, danger, or event appears.

Example: The thief was lying in wait behind the fence, ready to strike when the guard moved. Read more ➺


hide and seek

Meaning: To avoid being found, noticed, or contacted; to dodge someone or something.

Example: The politician kept playing hide and seek with the press to avoid tough questions. Read more ➺


out with it

Meaning: Say what you are hiding or keeping back.

Example: I know you have something to tell me—out with it before I lose patience. Read more ➺


under the table

Meaning: Done secretly or illegally, especially in business or financial dealings.

Example: The politician was accused of receiving bribes under the table from contractors. Read more ➺


under the rose

Meaning: In secret; privately; confidentially.

Example: Their love affair blossomed under the rose, away from prying eyes. Read more ➺


spill the tea

Meaning: To share gossip or reveal personal information, especially of a sensitive nature.

Example: After the meeting, Sarah couldn't wait to spill the tea about the manager's unexpected resignation. Read more ➺


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