en clair

American  

[ahn kler] / ɑ̃ ˈklɛr /

adverb

French.

1. (especially of diplomatic messages) in ordinary language; not written or sent in code or cipher.

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en clair British  

/ ɑ̃ klɛr /

adverb

1. in ordinary language; not in cipher

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Etymology

Origin of en clair

Literally, “in clear”

Example Sentences

The Russian Ambassador also despatched an urgent message en clair to his Government embodying the contradiction communicated by the Wilhelmstrasse.

From England and Germany by Hughes, William Morris

I sent off a long telegram in cypher to the Stockholm Legation, making certain inquiries, and a longer one en clair to the British Consul at Gothenburg.

From The Days Before Yesterday by Hamilton, Frederick Spencer, Lord

P.S.—The cypher will be better set by the last letter of the word en clair, immediately preceding the cyphered part of the letter.

From Memoirs of the Court and Cabinets of George the Third From the Original Family Documents, Volume 2 by Buckingham and Chandos, Richard Plantagenet Temple Nugent Brydges Chandos Grenville, Duke of

The cypher may be set by the first letter, which is written en clair, as I in this letter.

From Memoirs of the Court and Cabinets of George the Third From the Original Family Documents, Volume 2 by Buckingham and Chandos, Richard Plantagenet Temple Nugent Brydges Chandos Grenville, Duke of