à l'insu de

fr
en
Change language
Translating...
without the knowledge of, unbeknownst to
Find language
/a lɛ̃.sy də/
Add to My Dictionary
In My Dictionary
+1
Without a person knowing that something has happened.

Examples

  • Il a vendu la voiture à l'insu de sa sœur.
    He sold the car without his sister's knowledge.
  • Elle préparait une fête à l'insu de son ami.
    She was planning a party without her friend knowing.
  • Le contrat a été modifié à l'insu de plusieurs signataires.
    The contract was changed without several signatories knowing.
  • Les données ont été copiées à l'insu de leurs propriétaires.
    The data were copied without their owners' knowledge.
  • La décision a été prise à l'insu de toute l'équipe.
    The decision was made without the knowledge of the whole team.

Similar words

Meanings

Without someone knowing

social
neutral
Marks the person who is unaware of an action or event.

Examples

  • La décision a été prise à l'insu de toute l'équipe.
    The decision was made without the knowledge of the whole team.
  • Il a vendu la voiture à l'insu de sa sœur.
    He sold the car without his sister's knowledge.
  • Les données ont été copiées à l'insu de leurs propriétaires.
    The data were copied without their owners' knowledge.
  • Elle préparait une fête à l'insu de son ami.
    She was planning a party without her friend knowing.
  • Le contrat a été modifié à l'insu de plusieurs signataires.
    The contract was changed without several signatories knowing.

Similar words

Etymology

Insu is built from su, “known”, with a negative prefix. The phrase means that the named person has not been told.

FAQ

What does à l'insu de mean?

It means “without the knowledge of”.

Who follows à l'insu de?

The person or group who does not know.

Must an action à l'insu de someone be harmful?

No. A surprise party can be planned this way.

Is à l'insu de invariable?

Yes, the fixed part of the expression does not change.

What is the opposite of à l'insu de?

Au vu et au su de means openly, with others aware.

Comments & contributions

Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
Posting as a guest · Sign in
No comments yet. Be the first to add one.
Look up word or phrase...