en catimini

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Translating...
in secret, on the quiet, without being noticed
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/ɑ̃ ka.ti.mi.ni/
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Done out of sight so that others do not notice.
Practice using en catimini in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Elle est sortie en catimini pour ne réveiller personne.
    She slipped out without anyone noticing so as not to wake anyone.
  • Ils ont modifié le règlement en catimini pendant les vacances.
    They changed the rules quietly and secretly during the holidays.
  • Les enfants ont préparé la surprise en catimini.
    The children prepared the surprise in secret.
  • Le propriétaire a augmenté les frais en catimini.
    The owner raised the fees quietly, hoping no one would notice.
  • La décision a été prise en catimini, sans consulter l'équipe.
    The decision was made behind the scenes, without consulting the team.

Similar words

en cachette
en tapinois
en douce
à la dérobée

Meanings

Secretly and discreetly

secrecy
neutral
Without drawing attention, often because the people affected are not meant to know what is happening.

Examples

  • Ils ont modifié le règlement en catimini pendant les vacances.
    They changed the rules quietly and secretly during the holidays.
  • Elle est sortie en catimini pour ne réveiller personne.
    She slipped out without anyone noticing so as not to wake anyone.
  • La décision a été prise en catimini, sans consulter l'équipe.
    The decision was made behind the scenes, without consulting the team.
  • Le propriétaire a augmenté les frais en catimini.
    The owner raised the fees quietly, hoping no one would notice.
  • Les enfants ont préparé la surprise en catimini.
    The children prepared the surprise in secret.

Similar words

en cachette
à la dérobée
en tapinois
en douce

Etymology

The phrase joins en with catimini, a word now used almost only here. The deeper origin of catimini is disputed.

FAQ

What does en catimini mean?

Secretly, without attracting attention.

Must the hidden act be dishonest?

No, it can be a harmless surprise as well as a concealed decision.

Is catimini used alone?

Rarely; the normal expression is en catimini.

Can it describe an official decision?

Yes, especially one made without open discussion.

How is it written?

As two words: en catimini.

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