Cloak of secrecy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Cloak of secrecy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition where information is deliberately kept hidden or confidential. Example: "The negotiations were conducted under a cloak of secrecy, preventing any leaks to the media."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An unnecessary cloak of secrecy envelops too much policing.

The Washington Post

She said a bankruptcy filing would at least lift the "cloak of secrecy".

The New York Times

Others say the current process should be stripped of its cloak of secrecy.

The New York Times

But she is more interesting about the event's cloak of secrecy.

The New York Times - Books

But the M.T.A. must do its part to loosen its own cloak of secrecy.

The New York Times

"The cloak of secrecy is not alleviating anyone's fears, whether they're real or perceived," he said.

The New York Times

The president himself envelops his golf game in a cloak of secrecy.

The New York Times

John Doe investigations are carried out under a cloak of secrecy to protect those never charged with a crime.

The New Yorker

Like all projects shrouded in Hollywood cloak of secrecy, it has emerged it will be an epic tent pole.

Independent

The Inaugural Committee has surrounded its calendar of events with the cloak of secrecy generally reserved for covert operations.

The New York Times - Style

After more than a year of investigation of abuses by the nation's intelligence community operating under a cloak of secrecy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of concealment when using "cloak of secrecy". It often suggests something is being hidden for a specific reason, which may be positive (protecting privacy) or negative (covering up wrongdoing).

Common error

Avoid using "cloak of secrecy" when referring to simple privacy or lack of transparency. This phrase implies an active and often organized effort to keep information concealed, not just a passive absence of information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cloak of secrecy" functions as a noun phrase often used as an abstract subject or object. It typically describes the condition of being hidden or kept secret, as confirmed by Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples. It is frequently associated with situations involving institutions, governments, or organizations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cloak of secrecy" is a common noun phrase used to describe a state of concealment or confidentiality, often implying a deliberate effort to hide information. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used in contexts related to news and media. The phrase's primary function is to express concern or criticism regarding a lack of transparency, suggesting that the secrecy is either unnecessary or potentially harmful. Alternatives include "veil of secrecy" and "shroud of secrecy". When using this phrase, be aware of its connotations and the specific scope of the secrecy you are describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

veil of secrecy

Changes the metaphor from a cloak to a veil, implying a slightly thinner or more easily penetrable barrier to information.

shroud of secrecy

Replaces "cloak" with "shroud", suggesting a more enveloping and potentially sinister concealment.

cover of confidentiality

Uses more formal language, replacing the metaphorical "cloak" with the more literal "cover" and using the noun "confidentiality".

wall of silence

Shifts the imagery to a "wall", emphasizing the difficulty of obtaining information.

atmosphere of secrecy

Focuses on the surrounding environment rather than a specific barrier, suggesting a pervasive sense of hidden information.

culture of discretion

Highlights the organizational or social norms that prioritize keeping information private.

classified nature

Directly states that something is officially classified, indicating a formal level of secrecy.

secretive environment

Similar to "atmosphere of secrecy" but more directly emphasizes the characteristic of being secretive.

under wraps

An idiomatic expression meaning kept secret or concealed.

behind closed doors

Indicates that something is happening privately, away from public view or knowledge.

FAQs

How can I use "cloak of secrecy" in a sentence?

You can use "cloak of secrecy" to describe situations where information is deliberately hidden or kept confidential. For example: "The negotiations were conducted under a cloak of secrecy, preventing any leaks to the media."

What phrases are similar to "cloak of secrecy"?

Alternatives to "cloak of secrecy" include "veil of secrecy", "shroud of secrecy", or "cover of confidentiality", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "cloak of secrecy" in formal writing?

Yes, "cloak of secrecy" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news reports, academic papers, and business documents, where the context involves concealing information.

What does "lifting the cloak of secrecy" mean?

"Lifting the cloak of secrecy" means revealing or making public information that was previously hidden or confidential. It suggests a deliberate act of unveiling previously concealed details.