clandestine arrangement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clandestine arrangement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a secret or hidden agreement between parties, often implying that the arrangement is not meant to be disclosed to others. Example: "The two companies entered into a clandestine arrangement to collaborate on the project without informing their shareholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Kuby reveals this clandestine arrangement between European camp survivors and American intelligence agents.

Cornell University

For this reason, Dr H's suicide felt like a comeuppance – the logical, if shocking, end to our clandestine arrangement.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

That memo, he said, seems to have sharply cut down on illegal and clandestine arrangements.

The New York Times

In 1970, Mr. Hoover reportettly ordered his bureau to break off all but formal liaison contact with the C.I.A, forcing lower level C.I.A. and F.B.I, officials to make clandestine, arrangements to exchange information.

The New York Times

Some legislative reform has followed, but the debate continues to focus on employers -- and the political repercussions for them of these clandestine arrangements.

Huffington Post

There were clandestine lease-back arrangements, phony mortgages on nonexistent fertilizer storage tanks, illegal transfers of federal-compensation rights, kickbacks for bankers and bribes for Washington.

The New York Times

The prime minister, Andrius Kubilius, said the United States had reached what he contended were clandestine and illegal arrangements with the Lithuanian secret services for prisons that were outside civilian control.

The New York Times

Over time, the officials said, Mr. Rodriguez and other senior members of the clandestine service gave up on the Blackwater arrangement to hunt Qaeda leaders.

The New York Times

As Mr. Maier chronicled it, in real life that famous duo — he a fertility expert, she a nightclub singer-turned-secretary — had a professional relationship, a clandestine sex-after-work-but-still-on-the-clock arrangement (not cinq à sept, more like sept à dix) and, eventually, a marriage of convenience that ended in divorce.

The New York Times - Arts

Their organisation was well-known, not clandestine.

The Economist

Individual A, the indictment explains, made arrangements to receive the cash during one of a series of clandestine meetings.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clandestine arrangement" when you want to emphasize the secrecy and possibly illicit nature of an agreement. It is stronger than a simple "secret agreement".

Common error

Avoid using "clandestine arrangement" in overly formal or business contexts where a more neutral term like "confidential agreement" might be more appropriate, unless you specifically intend to highlight the secretive aspect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clandestine arrangement" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific type of agreement characterized by secrecy and often, a degree of impropriety. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clandestine arrangement" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a secret or hidden agreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in English and found in varied contexts. While not extremely common, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, primarily in the domains of News & Media and Academia. It carries a connotation of secrecy and possible impropriety, making it distinct from simpler terms like "secret agreement". When writing, consider the specific context and the degree of formality required, opting for more neutral terms like "confidential agreement" when appropriate. The phrase is not incorrect, but requires mindful application to accurately convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secret agreement

Replaces "clandestine" with a more common synonym, simplifying the phrase.

surreptitious arrangement

Similar in meaning, but uses a less common synonym for "secret".

hidden understanding

Focuses on the unspoken agreement between parties.

covert understanding

Emphasizes the hidden nature of the agreement and uses a more formal term.

off-the-record agreement

Highlights the confidentiality of the agreement.

secret pact

Implies a formal but hidden agreement, often between groups or nations.

unspoken agreement

Highlights an agreement made without explicit discussion.

under-the-table deal

Suggests an illegal or unethical hidden agreement.

backroom deal

Suggests a deal made in private, potentially with some impropriety.

hush-hush deal

A more informal way to describe a secret agreement.

FAQs

What does "clandestine arrangement" mean?

A "clandestine arrangement" is a secret or hidden agreement, often implying that it's not meant to be disclosed to others. It suggests a degree of secrecy and possibly something illicit or unauthorized.

What can I say instead of "clandestine arrangement"?

You can use alternatives like "secret agreement", "covert deal", or "hidden understanding" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "clandestine arrangement" a formal or informal phrase?

"Clandestine arrangement" is a relatively formal phrase, although it's not overly technical or jargony. It can be used in news articles, academic writing, or more serious discussions.

How can I use "clandestine arrangement" in a sentence?

Example: "The investigation revealed a "clandestine arrangement" between the two companies to fix prices."