cloak-and-dagger
|cloak-and-dag-ger|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˌkloʊk ən ˈdæɡər/
🇬🇧
/ˌkləʊk ənd ˈdæɡə/
secretive intrigue
Etymology
Etymology Information
'cloak-and-dagger' originates from the French phrase 'de cape et d'épée', which literally means 'of cloak and sword', referring to the style of swashbuckling adventure stories.
Historical Evolution
'de cape et d'épée' was adopted into English as 'cloak-and-dagger', maintaining its association with intrigue and mystery.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to swashbuckling adventures, but over time it evolved to describe secretive or espionage activities.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
involving or characteristic of mystery, intrigue, or espionage.
The novel is filled with cloak-and-dagger adventures.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45