on the Q.T.

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Definition
  1. Adverb:
    • In secrecy; not openly; privately: The phrase "on the q.t." means to do something in a secret, quiet, or confidential manner, without others knowing.
Usage
  • Use "on the q.t." to describe an action that is done discreetly or confidentially. It is an informal idiom, often used in spoken English.
  • It typically follows a verb (e.g., ) or the verb "to be" (e.g., ).
Examples
  • Adverb:
    • They met on the q.t. to plan the surprise party. (They met secretly to plan the surprise party.)
    • The deal was arranged on the q.t. to avoid media attention. (The deal was arranged privately to avoid media attention.)
    • Can you pass me this information on the q.t.? (Can you give me this information confidentially?)
Advanced Usage

  • "Keep something on the q.t.": To maintain something as a secret.

    • Let's keep this news on the q.t. until the official announcement. (Let's keep this news secret until the official announcement.)

  • "Do something on the q.t.": To perform an action secretly.

    • He's been seeing her on the q.t. for months. (He has been meeting her secretly for months.)
Variants and Related Words

  • On the quiet: An informal phrase with the same meaning as "on the q.t."

    • He paid for the repairs on the quiet. (He paid for the repairs secretly.)

  • Q.T.: An abbreviation sometimes used in informal writing to represent "quiet."

    • Let's keep this on the Q.T. (Let's keep this quiet/secret.)
Synonyms
  • Secretly: In a secret manner.
  • Privately: Without others being involved or aware.
  • Confidentially: In a way that is meant to be kept secret.
  • Slyly: In a cunning and secretive manner.
  • Covertly: Without being openly acknowledged or displayed.
Related Idioms

  • On the sly: Doing something secretly, often because it is wrong or forbidden.

    • He's been eating sweets on the sly. (He has been eating sweets secretly.)

  • Behind closed doors: In private, not in public view.

    • The negotiations happened behind closed doors. (The negotiations happened in private.)

  • Under the table: Done secretly and often illegally.

    • He was paid under the table to avoid taxes. (He was paid secretly to avoid taxes.)
Adverb
  1. in secrecy; not openly
    • met secretly to discuss the invasion plans
    • the children secretly went to the movies when they were supposed to be at the library
    • they arranged to meet in secret

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