sub-rosa


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sub ro·sa

(rō′zə)
adv.
In secret; privately or confidentially: held the meeting sub rosa.
[Latin sub rosā, under the rose (from the practice of hanging a rose over a meeting as a symbol of confidentiality) : sub, under + rosā, ablative of rosa, rose.]
sub-ro′sa (səb-rō′zə) adj.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
Adj. 1. [画像:sub-rosa - designed and carried out secretly or confidentially]sub-rosa - designed and carried out secretly or confidentially; "a sub-rosa report"; "has their under-the-table backing"
covert - secret or hidden; not openly practiced or engaged in or shown or avowed; "covert actions by the CIA"; "covert funding for the rebels"
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
References in periodicals archive ?
My point was not that Israel should not have the bomb but that the sub-rosa American support for it was well-known throughout the Middle East and made mockery of American efforts to stop the proliferation of nuclear weapons in Pakistan and other nations with undeclared nuclear options.
Seymour Hersh memoir shocks, reveals and educates
The concerted Philippine response during the Gulf War contrasts with the recent sub-rosa operation ala Mission Impossible attempt.
When good intentions go awry
The new collection is inspired by the ancient Italian tradition of sub-Rosa signifying secrecy, where roses were painted on the ceilings of banquet rooms as a reminder that words spoken should remain confidential.
Molton Brown unveils exquisite floral collection

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