Lingo

Secrecy

15 Words

8m

1.
fly on the wall
Phrase

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

I wish I could be a fly on the wall during the high-stakes meeting to understand the decision-making process.

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2.
[pull] the strings
Phrase

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

The CEO was known to pull the strings behind the scenes, influencing major decisions without direct involvement.

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3.
under the radar
Phrase

in a way that goes unnoticed or avoids attracting any attention

The company quietly launched a new product under the radar to test its reception before a full-scale release.

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4.
behind closed doors
Phrase

in a place where other people cannot see or know about

The CEO held a meeting behind closed doors to discuss the company's financial troubles.

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behind the scenes
5.
behind the scenes
Phrase

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

The documentary takes you behind the scenes of a famous fashion show, revealing the intense preparations and chaos that precede the glamorous runway.

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6.
black book
Noun

*** a list of persons who are disapproved of or are to be punished or boycotted

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7.
in cahoots
Phrase

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

The two companies were suspected of being in cahoots to fix prices and control the market.

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8.
[have] designs on {sth}
Phrase

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

The ambitious executive had designs on the CEO position and worked tirelessly to gain the necessary skills and experience.

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9.
like a thief in the night
Phrase

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

The news of their breakup came like a thief in the night, leaving their friends shocked and confused.

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10.
[groan] inwardly
Phrase

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

When the boss announced another late-night meeting, the employees groaned inwardly, knowing it meant more work and less free time.

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11.
in league with {sb/sth}
Phrase

secretly making plans with another individual or group

The corrupt politician was discovered to be in league with several influential businessmen, engaging in illicit activities for personal gain.

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12.
on the q.t.
Phrase

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

They met on the q.t. to discuss their plans without arousing suspicion.

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13.
on the sly
Phrase

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

She ate the last piece of cake on the sly, hoping no one would notice.

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14.
through the back door
Phrase

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

He managed to secure the job not through the front door, but through the back door by relying on personal connections.

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15.
dog whistle
Noun

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

The candidate's speech contained several dog whistles aimed at his conservative base, subtly signaling his stance on immigration reform without directly addressing the issue.

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