On the sly

usgb
adverb

Doing something secretly or without anyone noticing.

He's been teaching himself to paint on the sly.
Visual representation of "on the sly" - Doing something secretly or without anyone noticing

Often appears as...

  • doing something on the sly
  • playing on the sly

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "on the sly"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Cultural Context

The phrase often implies disapproval or something not socially accepted.

Illustration for Cultural Context
He was dating her on the sly because his parents didn't approve.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Slight Disapproval

'On the sly' might suggest that the action is slightly wrong or naughty.

Illustration for Slight Disapproval
She'd been eating sweets on the sly, despite her diet.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Sneakiness

Implies cleverness or sneakiness in avoiding detection.

Illustration for Sneakiness
Tom completed his project on the sly to surprise his teammates.
Visual representation of the word "On the sly"

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