in the dark

Idioms  

1. In secret, in concealment, as in This agreement was concluded in the dark . [Early 1600s]

2. In a state of ignorance, uninformed, as in I was in the dark about their plans . This metaphor often appears in the locution keep someone in the dark , meaning “deliberately keep someone uninformed,” as in They kept me in the dark about their plans . [Late 1600s] For an antonym, see in the know .

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

in the dark

He has also used the technology for art installations with flexible rods that, when speared into the ground, have tips that glow in the dark like fireflies on tall grass.

From Barron's ● Aug. 5, 2026

The conservationists had scramble from the water up a cliff face in the dark to find cracks in the rocks where the snails could be safely left.

From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026

While the president appears to believe that Warsh wants to lower rates, Wall Street economists say they are in the dark, with the new chair remaining mum on key points.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026

Delight in rituals that engage the senses, like slowly moving a mouthful of Champagne around your tongue, or lighting palo santo in the dark and letting its smoke envelop you.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2026

Snuggled in the dark, he curls into a ball and lets out a gentle sigh.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler