Secret Idioms

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behind one’s back

Meaning: Doing or saying something when a person is not around and has no idea it is happening, usually in a sneaky or unfair way.

Example: Sarah later found out her coworker had been complaining about her work behind her back in every team meeting, and it completely changed how she felt about the friendship. Read more ➺


inside job

Meaning: A crime pulled off by or with help from someone who works or lives there and has trusted access.

Example: The vault was emptied with no forced entry, so the cops called it an inside job. Read more ➺


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 ➺


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