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secretive manner

[sɪˈkrɛtɪv ˈmænər]
noun phrasepl: secretive manners
maneira secreta / modo sigiloso
1. A way of behaving or acting that is characterized by concealment, discretion, or the deliberate withholding of information
He conducted his business in a secretive manner, telling no one about his plans.
Ele conduzia seus negócios de maneira secreta, não contando a ninguém sobre seus planos.
2. Behavior that is intentionally mysterious or evasive
She spoke in a secretive manner, avoiding direct answers to our questions.
Ela falava de modo sigiloso, evitando respostas diretas às nossas perguntas.
NYC Slang
on the low / under wraps / hush-hush
Synonyms
furtive mannercovert mannerclandestine mannerstealthy mannerdiscreet manner
Antonyms
open mannertransparent mannercandid mannerfrank mannerforthright manner

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
de forma secreta / de modo sigiloso
Standard usage in Brazilian Portuguese
Rio de Janeiro
na surdina / de forma sorrateira
Colloquial regional variation
São Paulo
de maneira discreta / em sigilo
More formal business usage
Portugal
de forma reservada / secretamente
Emphasizes discretion and confidentiality

Related Idioms & Phrases

behind closed doors
cloak and dagger
under the radar
keep it under wraps
on the down-low
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