Veil of secrecy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Veil 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 obscured from others. Example: "The company's decision-making process was shrouded in a veil of secrecy, leaving employees in the dark about future plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The veil of secrecy held.

The New York Times

The veil of secrecy remains in place".

The Guardian - Business

But most of this happens behind a veil of secrecy.

The Economist

Private companies by comparison operate behind a veil of secrecy.

The Economist

However, the veil of secrecy is beginning to lift.

The Washington Post

The required veil of secrecy was never penetrated.

The Telegraph

Like ADIA, ADIC operates behind a thick veil of secrecy.

The New York Times

But a veil of secrecy descended over his journey.

The New York Times - Books

"There has been a veil of secrecy surrounding sexuality.

The Guardian

The picnic massacre lifted the official veil of secrecy.

The Guardian

"[But] why is this under a veil of secrecy?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where information is intentionally hidden, use "veil of secrecy" to add a dramatic or figurative effect.

Common error

Avoid using "veil of secrecy" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase is more suitable for formal or journalistic contexts where a sense of gravity is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "veil of secrecy" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly used to describe a situation where information is deliberately kept hidden.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "veil of secrecy" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a situation where information is deliberately concealed. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness. It frequently appears in news and media and academic contexts, suggesting a formal to neutral register. While alternatives such as "cloak of secrecy" and "shroud of secrecy" exist, "veil of secrecy" is particularly effective in emphasizing the intentional and often suspicious nature of the concealment. When using this phrase, be mindful of its formality and ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cloak of secrecy

Replaces "veil" with "cloak", implying a more deliberate and encompassing act of concealment.

shroud of secrecy

Substitutes "veil" with "shroud", suggesting a more complete and obscuring cover.

lack of transparency

Directly states the absence of openness, avoiding metaphorical language.

wall of silence

Uses a different metaphor, "wall", to emphasize the impenetrability of the secrecy.

curtain of silence

Replaces "veil" with "curtain", suggesting a barrier that can be drawn or lifted.

atmosphere of confidentiality

Shifts the focus to the surrounding environment rather than a specific barrier.

air of mystery

Emphasizes the enigmatic nature resulting from the secrecy.

secretive environment

Focuses on the surrounding atmosphere fostering secrecy.

confidential nature

Highlights the private aspect of the matter, devoid of negative implications.

under wraps

An idiom suggesting that something is being kept hidden or secret.

FAQs

What does "veil of secrecy" mean?

The phrase "veil of secrecy" refers to a situation where information is intentionally kept hidden or obscured, often implying a deliberate attempt to conceal something.

What are some alternatives to "veil of secrecy"?

You can use alternatives like "cloak of secrecy", "shroud of secrecy", or "lack of transparency" depending on the specific context.

Is "veil of secrecy" a formal or informal expression?

"Veil of secrecy" is a more formal expression, suitable for journalistic, academic, or professional writing. It may sound out of place in casual conversation.

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

You can use it to describe situations where there's a deliberate attempt to hide information, such as: "The negotiations were conducted under a "veil of secrecy", leaving many stakeholders uninformed."