Secret Idioms

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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 ➺


sleeper cell

Meaning: A covert group of operatives, such as terrorists or spies, who remain inactive within a community until they receive orders to carry out missions.

Example: The authorities uncovered a sleeper cell planning to disrupt the upcoming summit. Read more ➺


under someone’s nose

Meaning: boldly in front of somebody.

Example: They conducted their secret meetings right under your nose. Read more ➺


ace in the hole

Meaning: a valuable resource or piece of information kept in reserve until it is needed.

Example: In negotiations, he always had an ace in the hole to secure the best deal. Read more ➺


hush money

Meaning: a bribe given to someone to keep them from disclosing information.

Example: The politician was accused of paying hush money to cover up the scandal. Read more ➺


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