sneak in
Definition
- Verb (transitive or intransitive):
- To enter a place quietly, secretly, or without permission to avoid being noticed.
- To add or insert something (e.g., a comment, an item, a reference) in a subtle, discreet, or surreptitious manner.
Usage
- As a verb, "sneak in" can be used with or without a direct object.
- When used transitively, the object is the thing being inserted (e.g., a word, a question).
- When used intransitively, the subject is the person or thing entering secretly.
Examples
- Intransitive use (entering secretly):
- We managed to sneak in through the back door after the show started.
- The cat sneaks in every night to sleep on the sofa.
- Transitive use (inserting something subtly):
- He tried to sneak in a few extra items at the bottom of the grocery bag.
- During the meeting, she sneaked in a question about the budget.
Advanced Usage
- "to sneak someone/something in": To help a person or thing enter a place secretly.
- My friend sneaked me into the concert without a ticket.
- Can you sneak this contraband snack into the movie theater?
Variants and Related Words
- Sneak (verb): To move or go in a secret, stealthy way.
- Sneaky (adjective): Behaving in a secret and sometimes dishonest or unfair way.
- Sneak peek (noun phrase): A secret or early look at something. (Note: This is a related compound phrase, not a direct variant of the phrasal verb "sneak in").
Synonyms
- Slip in: To enter or insert something quickly and unobtrusively.
- Creep in: To enter slowly, carefully, and quietly; often used for abstract things like errors or feelings.
- Infiltrate: To enter or gain access to (an organization, place, etc.) surreptitiously and gradually, especially for a hostile purpose.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Sneak out: To leave a place quietly and secretly.
- The teenagers sneaked out of the house after their parents went to sleep.
- Sneak up on: To approach someone quietly and stealthily so they do not notice.
- Don't sneak up on me like that! You scared me.
Related Idioms
- Sneak in under the radar: To do something without being noticed or drawing attention, often by being subtle or by exploiting a lack of scrutiny.
- The clause was so complex that it sneaked in under the radar during the contract negotiations.
Verb
-
insert casually
-
She slipped in a reference to her own work
-
-
enter surreptitiously
-
He sneaked in under cover of darkness
-
In this essay, the author's personal feelings creep in
-
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ gần giống
Từ chứa "sneak in"
