en sous-main
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behind the scenes, in secret
/ɑ̃ sumɛ̃/
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Secretly, away from public view.
Examples
Des fonds ont circulé en sous-main.
Funds changed hands under the table.
Elle a reçu les documents en sous-main.
She received the documents covertly.
Ils ont négocié en sous-main avant la réunion.
They negotiated behind the scenes before the meeting.
Le ministre soutenait ce projet en sous-main.
The minister supported the plan behind the scenes.
Un accord avait été conclu en sous-main.
An agreement had been reached in secret.
Similar words
sous le manteau
en secret
en cachette
subrepticement
Meanings
Examples
Ils ont négocié en sous-main avant la réunion.
They negotiated behind the scenes before the meeting.
Un accord avait été conclu en sous-main.
An agreement had been reached in secret.
Elle a reçu les documents en sous-main.
She received the documents covertly.
Le ministre soutenait ce projet en sous-main.
The minister supported the plan behind the scenes.
Des fonds ont circulé en sous-main.
Funds changed hands under the table.
Similar words
en cachette
en secret
sous le manteau
subrepticement
Etymology
The phrase combines sous (“under”) and main (“hand”); its recorded use goes back to the sixteenth century.
FAQ
What does en sous-main mean?
It means secretly, often in a deal or intervention.
Does it imply public knowledge?
No, the action is kept out of sight.
Can money change hands en sous-main?
Yes, the phrase often describes concealed payments.
Yes, the fixed expression is en sous-main.
It is pronounced /ɑ̃ sumɛ̃/.
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