cloak-and-dagger

(almost always before noun) cloak-and-dagger activities are secret and mysterious, sometimes in a way that people think is unnecessary or ridiculous

Two Example Dialogues Using ‘Cloak-and-Dagger’

?: These teenagers think they’re so clever with their cloak-and-dagger antics.

?: I know! It’s like they forget that we used to be teenagers too, once upon a time!

?: Meet me on the third bench from the entrance at 2:54 PM. Don’t make eye contact when you get there; just sit down and slide the package towards me slowly.

?: This is all a bit cloak-and-dagger, isn’t it? I’m giving you a copy of my class notes, not a kilo of cocaine!

Examples of ‘Cloak-and-Dagger’ from the News

“This story is about to get a whole lot more media scrutiny, because it involves secretive back-channel maneuvering, a possible threat to national security and potential lawbreaking at the highest levels of the Trump administration, possibly at the direction of President Trump himself — all with a whole lot of cloak-and-dagger intrigue thrown in.”

– Greg Sargent, “Mystery of Adam Schiff and whistleblower takes dangerous new turn”, 18 September 2019

“While the backstory behind Meng’s fall from Beijing’s grace remains unclear, the cloak-and-dagger way in which it happened serves as a clear reminder to Chinese citizens that they and their families are never out of the government’s reach.”

– James Jay Carafano, “James Carafano: China bears watching — even at the UN”, 23 September 2019

Special Notes on the Word ‘Cloak-and-Dagger’

This is one of those especially fun words in English. Most people don’t wear cloaks anymore, and I’ve personally never met anyone who carries around a dagger. This is a word that makes us think of the swashbuckling days of the past, when you might wear a cloak to hide your identity, or pull a dagger from your boot to surprise your enemy.

Of course, I do actually have a cloak. It’s my #1 favorite item of clothing! Now I just need to get a dagger! ??️

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Pronunciation of ‘Cloak-and-Dagger’

/ˌkloʊk ən ˈdæɡər/

Sources: Definition of ‘Cloak-and-Dagger’

Each word of the day only focuses on one definition. To learn every possible definition of the word, I recommend that you look it up in your favorite dictionary.

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