sub rosa
[ suhb -roh-zuh ]
/ sʌb ˈroʊ zə /
adverb
confidentially; secretly; privately.
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Origin of sub rosa
First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin sub rosā literally, “under the rose,” from the ancient use of the rose at meetings as a symbol of the sworn confidence of the participants, based on the Greek myth that Aphrodite gave a rose to her son Eros, who then gave the rose to Harpocrates, the god of silence and secrets, to ensure that Aphrodite’s dalliances remained hidden
Words nearby sub rosa
subright, subring, Subroc, subrogate, subrogation, sub rosa, subround, subroutine, sub-Saharan, subsample, subsatellite
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for sub rosa
The lack of trust between the Israeli and American leaders on Iran has been a sub-rosa tension in the relationship since 2009.
U.S., Israel Discuss Triggers for Bombing Iran’s Nuclear Infrastructure|Eli Lake|December 28, 2011|DAILY BEASTIt was for a fact a sort of sub-rosa sortie, but the historian was discreet on this occasion.
Castles and Chateaux of Old Burgundy|Francis MiltounAlthough his pen has probably covered more pages than Balzac's, this is the first time Sub-Rosa has really "turned author."
Law and Laughter|George Alexander Morton
British Dictionary definitions for sub rosa
sub rosa
/ (ˈrəʊzə) /
adverb
in secret
Word Origin for sub rosa
Latin, literally: under the rose; from the rose that, in ancient times, was hung over the council table, as a token of secrecy
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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