a escondidas (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

• Adverbial expression

Phonetic Transcription

• /a eskonˈ̞iðas/

Translation Options into English

• In secret
• Stealthily
• Hidden

Meaning and Usage

"A escondidas" is an adverbial expression used in Spanish to describe an action performed secretly, without others knowing, or in a hidden manner. It is commonly used in both oral and written contexts, frequently found in narratives or conversations that convey a sense of secrecy or stealth. The expression is used moderately often and can add dramatic or suspenseful elements to discourse.

Example Sentences

1. Ella salió a escondidas de la casa.

2. She left the house in secret.

3. Los niños jugaron a escondidas en el jardín.

4. The children played stealthily in the garden.

5. A escondidas, él le escribió una carta.

6. In secret, he wrote her a letter.

Idiomatic Expressions

"A escondidas" appears in various idiomatic expressions in Spanish, often conveying themes of secrecy or clandestinity.

1. Hacer algo a escondidas.
2. To do something secretly.
3. Ella hizo la fiesta a escondidas de sus padres.

4. She threw the party in secret from her parents.

5. Ver a alguien a escondidas.

6. To see someone in secret.
7. Él se encontró con su amiga a escondidas.

8. He met with his girlfriend secretly.

9. Vivir a escondidas.

10. To live in secret.
11. Decidieron vivir a escondidas por un tiempo.

12. They decided to live in secret for a while.

13. Estar a escondidas de alguien.

14. To be in hiding from someone.
15. El ladrón estaba a escondidas de la policía.

16. The thief was in hiding from the police.

17. Hacer planes a escondidas.

18. To make plans in secret.
19. Estamos haciendo planes a escondidas para su cumpleaños.
20. We are making plans in secret for her birthday.

Etymology

The expression "a escondidas" derives from the word "esconder," which means "to hide." The preposition "a" in this context indicates the action of doing something in a manner that is hidden or concealed.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms: secretamente (secretly), disimuladamente (discreetly), clandestinamente (clandestinely).
• Antonyms: abiertamente (openly), públicamente (publicly), visible (visible).

This thorough exploration of "a escondidas" showcases its significance in expressing secrecy and stealth in the Spanish language.