cloak-and-dagger

American  

[klohk-uhn-dag-er] / ˈkloʊk ənˈdæg ər /

adjective

1. pertaining to, characteristic of, or dealing in espionage or intrigue, especially of a romantic or dramatic kind.

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cloak-and-dagger British  

noun

1. (modifier) characteristic of or concerned with intrigue and espionage

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Etymology

Origin of cloak-and-dagger

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Mr. Corera is well-versed in the cloak-and-dagger world.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 6, 2026

In a year that’s already given us one superlative case of adult peekaboo — Steven Soderbergh’s “Black Bag” — “Relay” proves there’s still more room for smart, punchy cloak-and-dagger options.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 23, 2025

It’s a pale substitute for the delicious tension inherent to deadly cloak-and-dagger exploits.

From Salon • Apr. 22, 2025

It involved allegations of financial impropriety at the top of the Vatican, cloak-and-dagger activity of the kind that has often characterised the secretive world of the Holy See.

From BBC • Dec. 16, 2023

Manning was confused by the cloak-and-dagger directions, but couldn’t pass up a chance to get Ellsberg on Cronkite’s show.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin