1 A2 informal
To enter a place secretly and without permission, trying not to be seen.
"They didn't have tickets, so they tried to sneak in through the side door."
inseparable
sneak in
A2 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To enter a place quietly and secretly, especially without permission.
In plain English
To go inside somewhere without anyone seeing you, usually because you're not allowed in.
What does "sneak in" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 informal
To bring something into a place secretly, especially something that is not allowed.
"She managed to sneak her phone in even though electronics were banned in the exam room."
separable
3 B1 idiomatic informal
To insert something (a remark, clause, or item) quietly into a conversation, document, or schedule so it goes unnoticed.
"The lawyers sneaked in an extra clause at the bottom of the contract."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To sneak (move secretly) while going inward — largely transparent.
Actually means
To go inside somewhere without anyone seeing you, usually because you're not allowed in.
Usage tip
Used both for people entering secretly and for smuggling items in. Also used figuratively for inserting a comment or item into a conversation or document without drawing attention.
Words that pair with "sneak in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
back door side entrance comment clause without being seen after hours
How to conjugate "sneak in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
sneak in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sneaks in
he/she/it
Past simple
sneaked in
yesterday
Past participle
sneaked in
have + pp
-ing form
sneaking in
continuous
Hear "sneak in" in the wild
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Other ways to say "sneak in"
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