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Region: General | Usage example: The new project remained under a veil of secrecy for months.

Veil of secrecy

Meaning

An effort to hide information.

Usage

Used to describe confidential operations.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Veils have long symbolized concealment.

Journalists used the phrase when reporting on espionage and covert deals.

Related Idioms

Go the extra mile

Put in more effort than is required.

Keep your ears open

Be attentive and listen for useful information.

Cut corners

To save time, money, or effort by skipping proper steps, often reducing quality or safety.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.