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On the sly

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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.
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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.
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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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