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 environment where information is deliberately kept hidden or confidential. Example: "The negotiations were conducted under a cloak of secrecy, leaving the public in the dark about the details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She said a bankruptcy filing would at least lift the "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

The only reason they thought they could get away with it was because they had a guaranteed cloak of secrecy.

The Guardian

So we're going to rip off that cloak of secrecy and extend transparency as far and as wide as possible".

The Guardian

"All of this is being done under a cloak of secrecy without any public debate or clear lawful authority.

The Guardian

Then, 10 days ago, the cloak of secrecy that has shrouded the investigation lifted, ever so briefly.

The New York Times

Now, as the fleet celebrates its 100th anniversary, the Navy has lifted the cloak of secrecy a bit.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cloak of secrecy" to describe situations where information is deliberately concealed, especially when emphasizing the intention or effect of hiding something. For example, "The investigation was conducted under a "cloak of secrecy", making it difficult to assess its fairness."

Common error

Avoid using "cloak of secrecy" in very informal contexts. While widely understood, it carries a slightly formal tone best suited for news reports, official statements, or analytical discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cloak of secrecy" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as an object or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI identifies it as describing situations where information is intentionally hidden. It often modifies verbs related to concealment, such as 'lift', 'hide', or 'shroud'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cloak of secrecy" is a common noun phrase used to describe situations where information is deliberately concealed. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and most frequently found in news and media contexts. While there are several alternatives, such as "veil of secrecy" and "shroud of secrecy", each carries slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, be mindful of maintaining a neutral to formal tone and ensure the context involves an intentional act of hiding information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

veil of secrecy

Emphasizes the act of covering or concealing something, similar to "cloak of secrecy".

shroud of secrecy

Suggests a more complete or enveloping concealment than "cloak of secrecy".

blanket of secrecy

Indicates widespread or comprehensive concealment, implying that information is thoroughly covered up.

wall of silence

Focuses on the lack of communication or disclosure, suggesting a deliberate refusal to provide information.

code of silence

Implies an agreement or understanding to maintain secrecy, especially within a group.

air of mystery

Refers to the general feeling of something hidden or not completely understood.

cover-up

Highlights an attempt to hide mistakes, wrongdoings, or scandals.

confidentiality

Highlights the state of keeping something private.

discretion

Highlights the importance of being discreet in a situation.

secrecy

A general term for keeping something secret.

FAQs

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

You can use "cloak of secrecy" to describe situations where information is deliberately concealed. For instance, "The negotiations were conducted under a "cloak of secrecy"" or "The project was developed under a "cloak of secrecy" to maintain a competitive advantage".

What are some alternatives to "cloak of secrecy"?

You can use alternatives like "veil of secrecy", "shroud of secrecy", or "blanket of secrecy" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "cloak of secrecy" or "veil of secrecy"?

Both "cloak of secrecy" and "veil of secrecy" are valid and convey similar meanings. The choice depends on stylistic preference and the specific context. "Cloak" might suggest a more deliberate act of concealment, while "veil" may imply something is merely obscured.

What does it mean when something is done under a "cloak of secrecy"?

When something is done under a "cloak of secrecy", it means that the activities or information related to it are kept secret or confidential, often intentionally, to prevent public knowledge or scrutiny.