a screen of secrecy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a screen of secrecy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or environment where information is deliberately concealed or hidden from view. Example: "The negotiations were conducted behind a screen of secrecy, leaving the public in the dark about the details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But these limits cannot be dictated by the whim of a branch of government, especially behind a screen of secrecy.

The New York Times

Graham Foulkes, whose 22-year-old son, David, died on a subway train, said that the relatives' fury had been stirred by what they saw as the security agencies' efforts to continue to hide behind a screen of secrecy about what they knew before the attacks.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Between the latter two films, I took in a screening of "Secrecy," a documentary about our government's "classification universe" and the staggering amount of information our government hides away as "top secret" and what this mean for democracy.

Huffington Post

Here, in a country where military matters are concealed behind a formidable screen of secrecy and where foreigners are barred from even photographing men in uniform, sat the Soviet Union's top soldier facing an often aggressive grilling for two hours by foreign reporters.

The New York Times

A remarkable investigation by Los Angeles Times reporters pierced the screen of secrecy to reveal that the voting members are a stunning 94 percent Caucasian and 77percentt male.

Huffington Post

From the outside, looking in towards the screen of secrecy that conceals most of what is happening, it appears to be successful.

The Guardian

For years Pohl deftly withdrew behind this screen of close secrecy, and he surrendered to the advancing investigation of the legal authorities only step by step whenever on the basis of individual facts he was systematically cornered.

Yale University

Now, of course, that wasn't so, was it? of course that a greater amount of secrecy, a special obligation to maintain secrecy, should be observed.

Yale University

A tradition of secrecy.

The New York Times

A history of secrecy.

The New York Times

A sense of secrecy!

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a screen of secrecy", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being concealed and who is being kept in the dark. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "a screen of secrecy" in situations where simple privacy or confidentiality is sufficient. This phrase implies a deliberate effort to hide information, which may be too strong for routine situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a screen of secrecy" functions as a noun phrase, often used as an object of a preposition (e.g., "behind a screen of secrecy"). It describes a situation where information is deliberately obscured. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a screen of secrecy" is a noun phrase employed to describe the intentional concealment of information, often creating an atmosphere of mystery or suspicion. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Its usage is more prevalent in news and media, as well as academic contexts. While grammatically sound, it's important to consider the context to avoid sounding overly dramatic in more casual settings. Consider alternatives like "a veil of secrecy" or "a cloak of secrecy" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a veil of secrecy

Replaces "screen" with "veil", suggesting a more delicate or easily penetrated form of concealment.

a cloak of secrecy

Substitutes "screen" with "cloak", implying a deliberate and encompassing act of hiding information.

a shroud of secrecy

Uses "shroud" instead of "screen", suggesting a more complete and obscuring form of concealment.

an atmosphere of secrecy

Shifts from a physical barrier to a pervasive feeling or environment of concealment.

a culture of secrecy

Indicates that secrecy is ingrained within a group or organization.

a tradition of secrecy

Implies that secrecy is a long-standing practice.

a wall of silence

Emphasizes the lack of communication or information shared.

secrecy

Uses the noun "secrecy" on its own, emphasizing a state or condition of concealment without indication of the means.

confidentiality

Highlights the private and protected nature of the information.

lack of transparency

Focuses on the absence of openness and clarity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a screen of secrecy" to describe situations where information is deliberately hidden or concealed, such as "The negotiations were conducted behind "a screen of secrecy", leaving the public uninformed."

What phrases are similar to "a screen of secrecy"?

Similar phrases include "a veil of secrecy", "a cloak of secrecy", or "a shroud of secrecy", each suggesting a different degree or method of concealment.

Is "a screen of secrecy" formal or informal?

"A screen of secrecy" is generally considered neutral, suitable for news reports, formal analyses, and academic discussions, but potentially overdramatic for casual conversation.

What's the difference between "a screen of secrecy" and "confidentiality"?

"A screen of secrecy" implies active concealment, whereas "confidentiality" simply indicates that information is private and should not be disclosed without authorization.