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