The phrase on the sly is an informal expression in English that refers to doing something secretly, quietly, or without drawing attention. When someone acts on the sly, they are typically trying to avoid being noticed either because they are doing something they shouldn’t, or simply because they prefer privacy. This idiom appears in many conversations where subtlety, secrecy, or discretion plays a role. Understanding what it means, how it’s used, and its context can help you use this phrase naturally in both speech and writing.
Meaning of On the Sly
To be on the sly means to do something in a hidden or secretive manner. The action itself may or may not be wrong or dishonest, but the key idea is that it’s done without others knowing. This idiom is often used when someone wants to hide their behavior from others whether it’s playful, sneaky, or even slightly rebellious.
For example:
- He grabbed an extra slice of cake on the sly.
- She checked her phone on the sly during the meeting.
In both cases, the actions aren’t necessarily harmful, but they are done quietly or secretly, indicating that the person didn’t want to be seen or caught.
Origin and Evolution of the Phrase
The expression on the sly has roots in old English, where the word sly originally meant clever or skillful, especially in a crafty way. Over time, sly evolved to mean secretive, especially when referring to sneaky or underhanded actions. The phrase on the sly began appearing in literature and everyday speech in the 19th century and has remained a part of informal English since then.
Its staying power lies in how effectively it captures the human tendency to hide small actions or feelings, especially in social settings. Whether it’s sneaking snacks, glancing at a phone, or having a secret conversation, the phrase on the sly paints a vivid image of someone acting with a hint of mischief or caution.
Common Situations Where It’s Used
There are many scenarios in which on the sly is used. Below are several examples across various settings:
1. Social Situations
People often act on the sly in casual settings where they don’t want to be noticed by others.
- He winked at her on the sly when no one was looking.
- She texted her friend on the sly during dinner.
2. Work or Professional Settings
Employees might do certain things on the sly to avoid attention from managers or colleagues.
- He took a nap on the sly during his lunch break.
- She printed personal documents on the sly at the office.
3. Relationships
In romantic or emotional contexts, on the sly often refers to keeping secrets from partners or friends.
- They were seeing each other on the sly before making it public.
- He was planning a surprise party on the sly.
4. Humor and Mischief
Sometimes the phrase is used humorously to describe harmless mischief.
- I stole a cookie on the sly before dinner.
- She switched the TV channel on the sly when dad wasn’t looking.
Synonyms and Related Expressions
Several other expressions convey similar meanings to on the sly. Knowing these alternatives can enrich your vocabulary and help you understand different tones and contexts.
- In secret
- On the down low
- Covertly
- Under the radar
- Stealthily
- Quietly
While these expressions are similar, some carry slightly different connotations. For example, on the down low is often used in American slang and can relate to secretive relationships or confidential matters. Stealthily has a more physical or dramatic tone, often used in writing or storytelling.
Grammatical Use of On the Sly
On the sly functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies verbs and explains how an action is done. When used in a sentence, it typically follows the verb or the clause it describes. Here are a few sentence structures:
- Subject + verb + on the sly
Example: He smiled on the sly. - Subject + verb phrase + object + on the sly
Example: She took the last doughnut on the sly. - On the sly + clause
Example: On the sly, he passed her a note.
Using the phrase correctly helps convey the right level of subtlety and secrecy in your writing or conversation.
Why People Do Things On the Sly
There are several reasons why people act on the sly. Sometimes it’s about breaking rules, while other times it’s just about keeping something private.
1. Avoiding Judgment
People may act secretly to avoid disapproval or judgment from others.
- He ate fast food on the sly because he told his friends he was dieting.
2. Keeping Surprises
Planning surprises often requires secrecy, making the phrase appropriate.
- They were decorating the room on the sly for her birthday.
3. Breaking Rules
In some cases, the action might be against rules or norms.
- The kids were watching TV on the sly after bedtime.
4. Enjoying Something Privately
Sometimes people just want to enjoy a moment alone or without interruption.
- She read her novel on the sly during a busy workday.
How to Use On the Sly Naturally
To use this phrase effectively, keep these tips in mind:
- Tone: This is an informal expression, best used in casual or narrative settings.
- Context: Make sure the context involves secrecy or discretion, whether playful or serious.
- Clarity: Use the phrase where the meaning of hidden action is clear to your audience.
Example sentences for reference:
- He slipped out of the room on the sly to make a phone call.
- She rolled her eyes on the sly when the manager wasn’t looking.
- They met on the sly for months before anyone found out.
The phrase on the sly is a colorful and expressive part of the English language, capturing moments of secrecy, discretion, and subtle action. It adds nuance to conversation, often suggesting that something is being done quietly, perhaps mischievously, but not always with bad intent. Whether you’re describing a hidden snack, a secret plan, or a quiet glance, on the sly offers a simple yet effective way to communicate the idea of doing something without drawing attention. Use it to bring life and realism to your dialogue, storytelling, or day-to-day conversations.