Cloak-and-dagger

Relating to or characterized by secrecy, intrigue, espionage, and often involving clandestine activities and covert operations, typically associated with government intelligence agencies, political maneuvering, or criminal enterprises. It emphasizes hidden agendas, manipulative tactics, and a world where appearances often deceive, and trust is a rare commodity. The phrase evokes a sense of mystery, danger, and the unseen forces that shape events behind the scenes.

Cloak-and-dagger meaning with examples

• The political campaign was rife with cloak-and-dagger tactics, as rival teams spread misinformation and conducted smear campaigns to undermine each other’s credibility, making the election a battle of shadows and deception.
• He found himself embroiled in a cloak-and-dagger affair when he stumbled upon classified documents revealing a covert government program, forcing him to become a target of those desperate to keep the truth hidden.
• The espionage novel featured a complex plot of cloak-and-dagger maneuvers with double agents, hidden identities, and secret meetings, keeping readers guessing until the final, shocking revelation.
• The city's underworld was governed by cloak-and-dagger dealings, where alliances shifted constantly, and every interaction was laced with suspicion, making the criminal landscape treacherous.
• She was drawn to the historical drama depicting the intricate world of Renaissance court intrigue with its cloak-and-dagger betrayals, secret societies, and power struggles.