Cahoots

Cahoots is an informal term primarily used in American and British English, which refers to being in partnership, collusion, or collaboration with someone, particularly in secret or questionable dealings. The phrase ‘in cahoots’ suggests a conspiratorial collusion where individuals are working together, often for illicit purposes. The term carries a somewhat negative connotation, implying a hidden agenda.

Cahoots meaning with examples

• After weeks of speculation, the journalist uncovered that the two companies were in cahoots, manipulating stock prices and misleading investors. The revelation sent shockwaves through the market, leading to investigations and lawsuits that would tie both companies in legal battles for years to come.
• When the detective discovered that the mayor was in cahoots with the crime syndicate, he knew the corruption ran deep in the city. This link created a web of deceit that would take months to unravel and expose, potentially affecting the lives of countless citizens who relied on honest governance.
• The children were in cahoots to plan a surprise birthday party for their friend. They pooled their allowances to buy decorations and a cake, creating an elaborate scheme that involved a secretive meeting and careful planning, all to ensure that the surprise would be unforgettable.
• During the investigation, it became clear that some employees were in cahoots with the competitors, leaking sensitive information to gain unfair advantages. This not only jeopardized the reputation of the company but also led to significant financial losses that would require years to recover from.
• The hackers were found to be in cahoots with insiders from the company, facilitating the breach of sensitive data. The collaboration highlighted vulnerabilities within the organization, spurring reforms in cybersecurity practices to prevent future incidents and maintain the trust of their customers.