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

See Examples For:

cloak-and-dagger

"This cloak-and-dagger act speaks to the deception behind these accusations and to their weakness," he added.

From BBC ● Sep. 17, 2026

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

We played a cloak-and-dagger game, passing notes in books and such.

From "Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High" by Melba Pattillo Beals