on the sly
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The math-proficiency analysis suggests it may be doing so on the sly.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 30, 2025
Opening the case, prosecutor Naeem Valli said Connolly also sent a message saying she intended to work her notice period as a childminder "on the sly" - despite being de-registered.
From BBC • Oct. 17, 2024
We were forbidden to speak Urdu, but my mother still taught us on the sly.
From New York Times • Mar. 1, 2024
Show up to volunteer and Ignazio Vivirito, 83, who is always cooking something, might slip you a fresh-baked biscotti or a snack of bread and cheese on the sly.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 14, 2023
He worked on the sly, off the books, so to speak, for the glass company on Lipowa Street.
From "The Boy on the Wooden Box" by Leon Leyson
