1 B2 neutral
To move prohibited goods or people secretly past a security checkpoint or border.
"He tried to smuggle the antiques past customs by hiding them under a false floor in his luggage."
inseparable
smuggle past
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
To secretly carry or move something or someone past a guard, checkpoint, or barrier without being detected.
In plain English
To secretly take something past a place where you are not supposed to bring it.
What does "smuggle past" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
To introduce something (an idea, a claim, or content) without others noticing or objecting.
"The author managed to smuggle a strong political message past the editors."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To smuggle (secretly transport) something past a point of control.
Actually means
To secretly take something past a place where you are not supposed to bring it.
Usage tip
Used in both literal contexts (smuggling goods past customs) and figurative ones (getting an idea past a sceptical audience). The figurative sense is common in publishing and media.
Words that pair with "smuggle past"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
customs border guard checkpoint security audience
How to conjugate "smuggle past"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
smuggle past
I/you/we/they
3rd person
smuggles past
he/she/it
Past simple
smuggled past
yesterday
Past participle
smuggled past
have + pp
-ing form
smuggling past
continuous
Hear "smuggle past" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "smuggle past" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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