What does on the sly mean?

Definitions for on the sly
on the sly

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word on the sly.

Princeton's WordNet

  1. furtively, on the slyadverb

    in a furtive manner

    "the soldiers were furtively crawling through the night"

Wiktionary

  1. on the slyadverb

    Slyly, in an inconspicuous manner, so as not to be seen; secretly; stealthily.

ChatGPT

  1. on the sly

    "On the sly" refers to carrying out actions or behaviors secretly, covertly, or in a way that is intended not to be noticed or known by others. It often implies a sense of deceit or dishonesty.

How to pronounce on the sly?

How to say on the sly in sign language?

Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of on the sly in Chaldean Numerology is: 6

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of on the sly in Pythagorean Numerology is: 1

Examples of on the sly in a Sentence

  1. Lisa Fields:

    A few of us have been able to see and speak with Connor on FaceTime and I am relieved to hear his voice, witness him move around and see that his sense of humor and strength are still intact, his sly smile says more than any scan, yet those are looking good, too. We are all overjoyed with the news that he is booked on a flight home.

  2. Dave Pomeroy:

    He expanded the pedal part of the steel. The mechanical evolution of the instrument that led to a new style of playing that was much more expressive and unpredictable, he had this sly, wicked grin that was so great, and if you played something he liked he would look at you and give you that little grin that was the nicest seal of approval ever.

  3. Charles Lister:

    I think the regime played a very, very sly game, they were playing spoiler with the full knowledge that the opposition’s patience would wear out.

  4. Anne Frank:

    They mustn't know my despair, I can't let them see the wounds which they have caused, I couldn't bear their sympathy and their kind-hearted jokes, it would only make me want to scream all the more. If I talk, everyone thinks I'm showing off; when I'm silent they think I'm ridiculous; rude if I answer, sly if I get a good idea, lazy if I'm tired, selfish if I eat a mouthful more than I should, stupid, cowardly, crafty, etc. etc.

  5. James Gunn:

    Always love working with my friend @officialslystallone our work today on #TheSuicideSquad was no exception, despite Sly being an iconic movie star, most people still don't have any idea what an amazing actor this guy is.


Translations for on the sly

From our Multilingual Translation Dictionary

  • salaa, vaivihkaaFinnish
  • тайком, исподтишка, украдкой, втихаря, тихонько, потихонькуRussian

Get even more translations for on the sly »

Translation

Find a translation for the on the sly definition in other languages:

Select another language:

  • - Select -
  • 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified)
  • 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional)
  • Español (Spanish)
  • Esperanto (Esperanto)
  • 日本語 (Japanese)
  • Português (Portuguese)
  • Deutsch (German)
  • العربية (Arabic)
  • Français (French)
  • Русский (Russian)
  • ಕನ್ನಡ (Kannada)
  • 한국어 (Korean)
  • עברית (Hebrew)
  • Gaeilge (Irish)
  • Українська (Ukrainian)
  • اردو (Urdu)
  • Magyar (Hungarian)
  • मानक हिन्दी (Hindi)
  • Indonesia (Indonesian)
  • Italiano (Italian)
  • தமிழ் (Tamil)
  • Türkçe (Turkish)
  • తెలుగు (Telugu)
  • ภาษาไทย (Thai)
  • Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
  • Čeština (Czech)
  • Polski (Polish)
  • Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian)
  • Românește (Romanian)
  • Nederlands (Dutch)
  • Ελληνικά (Greek)
  • Latinum (Latin)
  • Svenska (Swedish)
  • Dansk (Danish)
  • Suomi (Finnish)
  • فارسی (Persian)
  • ייִדיש (Yiddish)
  • հայերեն (Armenian)
  • Norsk (Norwegian)
  • English (English)

Word of the Day

Would you like us to send you a FREE new word definition delivered to your inbox daily?

Please enter your email address:


Citation

Use the citation below to add this definition to your bibliography:

Style:MLAChicagoAPA

"on the sly." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 Apr. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/on+the+sly>.

Discuss these on the sly definitions with the community:

0 Comments

    Are we missing a good definition for on the sly? Don't keep it to yourself...

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant definitions for any word that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant definitions for any word that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Browse Definitions.net

    Quiz

    Are you a words master?

    »
    a confused multitude of things
    A muddle
    B whitewash
    C snap
    D secession

    Nearby & related entries:

    Alternative searches for on the sly: