On the sly Meaning in English
expression
ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈsɫaɪ
AHN-thuh-SLY
ˈɒn/ /ðə, ði/ /slˈaɪ
ON-thuh-SLY
Definition
If you do something "on the sly," you do it secretly, often because you do not want to be caught or others to know.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and often used for small rule-breaking, secrets, or actions you hide from authority. Synonyms include "secretly" or "on the quiet." Commonly used with verbs like "do," "eat," "meet," or "take." Not as formal as "covertly."
Spanish: a escondidas - en secretoPortuguese (BR): às escondidas - em segredoPortuguese (PT): às escondidas - em segredoChinese (Simplified): 偷偷地 - 秘密地Chinese (Traditional): 偷偷地 - 祕密地Hindi: चुपके से - गुप्त रूप सेArabic: خِلسةً - سراًBengali: চুপি চুপি - গোপনেRussian: тайком - втихаряJapanese: こっそりVietnamese: lén lút - lénKorean: 몰래Turkish: gizlice - sessiz sedasızUrdu: چھپ کر - چپکے سےIndonesian: diam-diam - secara diam-diam
Example Sentences
He ate the last piece of cake on the sly.
basic
The kids watched a scary movie on the sly.
basic
She sent a message on the sly.
basic
They've been meeting on the sly every weekend.
natural
Did you take money from my wallet on the sly?
natural
He likes to check his phone on the sly during meetings.
natural