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

"There just isn't enough guidance for businesses, we're scrabbling around in the dark trying to do our best," she said.

From BBC ● Jul. 23, 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

A crew of men with blackened faces wearing steel hats with flashlights attached stands in the dark “Anthracite Coal Mine Near Pottsville, Pennsylvania,” photographed by Jack Delano in 1938.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026

Speaking on Monday, a spokesman for the IG Metall called Blume's memo "superficial" and said employees were still left in the dark.

From Barron's ● Jul. 13, 2026

‘I didn’t mean… You’re right. I can’t track him in the dark.’

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver