under the cover

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under the cover" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something or someone being hidden or sheltered. It can also refer to something being done discreetly. For example, "The negotiations for the merger were conducted under the cover of night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Under the cover of darkness they came.

The Guardian - Music

Buy them under the cover of darkness.

The New Yorker

It wasn't done under the cover of humor, or irony.

The New York Times - Arts

He did not even hide under the cover of night.

The New York Times

Under the cover of darkness it is, then.

The Guardian - Tech

Nowadays it is performed under the cover of night.

The New York Times

"But under the cover of diagnostic processes, they perform it.

The New York Times

"The Jedburgh teams of the Special Operations Executive and 1 SAS are quite under the cover and remain under the cover," he explained.

The Guardian

He then waited for hours before escaping under the cover of darkness.

Independent

THIS year's Formula One Grand Prix in Bahrain will take place under the cover of darkness.

The Economist

Then he left, under the cover of a retirement that never happened.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under the cover" when you want to emphasize that an action or event is happening discreetly or secretly, often to avoid detection or negative consequences. For instance, "The company was restructuring under the cover of a public relations campaign."

Common error

Avoid using "under the cover" when you simply mean something is physically beneath a blanket or other covering. Instead, use more direct language like "beneath the blanket" or "underneath the sheet". "Under the cover" implies concealment or secrecy, not just physical location.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under the cover" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the manner in which something is done or the condition under which it exists. Ludwig's examples highlight its role in describing actions carried out discreetly or secretly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under the cover" is a versatile prepositional phrase denoting secrecy, concealment, or protection. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. As Ludwig's examples illustrate, it's commonly used in news, media, and general writing to describe actions done discreetly to avoid detection. While often neutral in tone, context dictates the specific register from formal to informal. To ensure accurate usage, remember that it implies active concealment and not merely physical location. Related phrases, such as ""in secret"" or ""clandestinely"", can offer similar but nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in secret

Focuses on the secrecy aspect, omitting the protective element.

under wraps

Indicates that something is being kept secret or confidential.

clandestinely

Emphasizes the secretive and often illicit nature of the action.

behind closed doors

Suggests that something is happening privately and away from public view.

discreetly

Highlights the careful and unobtrusive manner of the action.

hidden from view

Directly states that something is not visible.

in disguise

Implies a deliberate attempt to conceal one's identity or true nature.

masked

Indicates something is concealed or disguised.

camouflaged

Highlights the use of camouflage to blend in or remain hidden.

sheltered

Emphasizes the aspect of protection and safety.

FAQs

How can I use "under the cover" in a sentence?

You can use "under the cover" to describe actions done secretly or discreetly, such as "The protesters organized "under the cover of darkness"" or "The politician made deals "under the cover of negotiations"".

What is an alternative to saying "under the cover"?

Alternatives include "in secret", "clandestinely", or "discreetly", depending on the nuance you want to convey. These options emphasize secrecy or discretion.

Is it always necessary to specify what provides the cover when using "under the cover"?

While not strictly necessary, specifying what provides the cover usually adds clarity and context to your sentence. For example, saying "under the cover of night" is more descriptive than simply saying "under the cover".

What's the difference between "under the cover" and "under the radar"?

"Under the cover" implies something is hidden or concealed, while "under the radar" means something is happening without attracting attention. They both involve a lack of visibility, but for different reasons.