Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

cloak-and-dagger

adjective

/ˌkloʊk ən ˈdæɡər/

Definition

Cloak-and-dagger refers to activities that involve secrecy, mystery, or espionage, especially those associated with spies or intrigue.

Examples

The novel was filled with cloak-and-dagger plots involving spies and secret identities.
The film’s cloak-and-dagger elements kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
His cloak-and-dagger lifestyle made it hard for him to maintain personal relationships.

Meaning

The term suggests a dramatic, often romanticized, depiction of espionage and secret operations, highlighting themes of deception and clandestine actions.