veil of secrecy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "veil of secrecy" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or information that is kept secret or hidden. Example: The government operates under a veil of secrecy, making it difficult for the public to know the full extent of their actions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 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

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

There is a veil of secrecy around LJM and Raptor.

The New York Times

It is time to draw back the veil of secrecy behind which too many companies operate.

The New York Times

In this way the system placed a partial veil of secrecy over sequestration.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "veil of secrecy" to vividly describe situations where information is deliberately concealed, especially when emphasizing the difficulty of uncovering the truth.

Common error

Avoid using "veil of secrecy" in situations where information is simply private or confidential, but not actively hidden. The phrase suggests a deliberate effort to obscure or conceal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "veil of secrecy" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a condition or atmosphere where information is deliberately hidden or obscured, creating an environment of confidentiality and limited access. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "veil of secrecy" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe situations where information is deliberately hidden. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively emphasizes the concealed nature of something, often implying a deliberate effort to obscure the truth. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, where it is used to discuss sensitive or controversial topics. While alternatives like "cloak of secrecy" or "cover of secrecy" exist, "veil of secrecy" provides a vivid and widely understood way to convey the sense of hidden information. When using the phrase, writers should be aware to use it in the proper sense of "active concealment" and not in situations where information is simply private.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Cover of secrecy

Emphasizes the act of hiding something under a protective layer; more direct.

Cloak of secrecy

Suggests a deliberate attempt to conceal information, like wearing a disguise.

Mantle of secrecy

Implies a formal or official covering-up of information.

Shroud of secrecy

Suggests a more mysterious and pervasive concealment, often with negative connotations.

Blanket of secrecy

Emphasizes how thoroughly information is hidden; encompassing and complete.

Curtain of secrecy

Presents the secrecy as a barrier that obstructs vision.

Screen of secrecy

Similar to curtain, presenting secrecy as a barrier or obstacle.

Wall of silence

Highlights the lack of communication or information sharing.

Confidentiality

Focuses on the state of keeping something private and not for general knowledge

Secrecy

The state of keeping something secret.

FAQs

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

You can use "veil of secrecy" to describe situations where information is deliberately hidden or kept secret. For instance, "The investigation proceeded under a "veil of secrecy", making it difficult to uncover the truth."

What phrases are similar to "veil of secrecy"?

Similar phrases include "cover of secrecy", "cloak of secrecy", and "shroud of secrecy". Each conveys a sense of hidden information, but with slightly different connotations.

When is it appropriate to use "veil of secrecy"?

It is appropriate when describing situations where there is a deliberate attempt to keep information hidden, often suggesting an intention to obscure or conceal the truth. Using it emphasizes the difficulty to access or uncover the concealed information.

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

"Veil of secrecy" implies active concealment and obfuscation, while "confidentiality" refers to the state of keeping information private, which can be due to ethical or legal obligations.