sub rosa

[ suhb roh-zuh ]

adverb

1. confidentially; secretly; privately.

sub rosa

/ ˈrəʊzə /

adverb

1. in secret

Word History and Origins

Origin of sub rosa¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sub rosa¹

Latin, literally: under the rose; from the rose that, in ancient times, was hung over the council table, as a token of secrecy

Example Sentences

This sub rosa gathering marks another step in the organizing of a potential presidential campaign for Clinton.

From The Daily Beast

The lack of trust between the Israeli and American leaders on Iran has been a sub-rosa tension in the relationship since 2009.

From The Daily Beast

The friend who promised to have this letter mailed sub rosa is at the door.

From Project Gutenberg

Wrote double quick, then galloped over to Kephalos to see the New Army, sub rosa.

From Project Gutenberg

I was invited on condition that I would not let the student-body know of these sub rosa fiestas.

From Project Gutenberg

It was easily contrived to divert, sub rosa, large State receipts to supply the remaining financial needs.

From Project Gutenberg

He understood that it was to be entirely sub rosa and that nothing must ever transpire as to it.

From Project Gutenberg