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IN SECRET
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I. (adverb)
Sense 1
Meaning:
In secrecy; not openly
Example:
they arranged to meet in secret
Synonyms:
in secret; on the Q.T.; on the QT; secretly
Classified under:
Context examples:
Thomas Mugridge is cur-like in his subjection to me, while I go about in secret dread of him.
(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)
That I suffered in secret, and that I suffered exquisitely, no one ever knew but I. How much I suffered, it is, as I have said already, utterly beyond my power to tell.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
So I determined to write only formal notes now, but to write fully to Mr. Hawkins in secret, and also to Mina, for to her I could write in shorthand, which would puzzle the Count, if he did see it.
(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)
She was always labouring, in secret, under this distress; and being delicate and downcast at the time of his last repulse—for it was not the first, by many—pined away and died.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
Our toil must be in silence, and our efforts all in secret; for in this enlightened age, when men believe not even what they see, the doubting of wise men would be his greatest strength.
(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)
With her own sweet tranquillity, she calmed my agitation; led me back to the time of our parting; spoke to me of Emily, whom she had visited, in secret, many times; spoke to me tenderly of Dora's grave.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
When she saw our faces, her own became as pale as death: for a second or two her eyes were closed as if she were in secret prayer; and then she said cheerfully:—"I can never thank you all enough. Oh, my poor darling!"
(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)
“Six tea, two salt, and a pair of sugars, I have at different times borrowed money on, in secret, with my own hands. But the twins are a great tie; and to me, with my recollections, of papa and mama, these transactions are very painful. There are still a few trifles that we could part with. Mr. Micawber's feelings would never allow him to dispose of them; and Clickett”—this was the girl from the workhouse—“being of a vulgar mind, would take painful liberties if so much confidence was reposed in her.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
Jugs of water, and watering-pots, were kept in secret places ready to be discharged on the offending boys; sticks were laid in ambush behind the door; sallies were made at all hours; and incessant war prevailed.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
