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sneak around

B1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To go places or do things without letting other people know, because you are hiding something.

Literal meaning: To sneak (move quietly) in various directions around a place — fairly transparent.

Meanings

1 A2 informal

To move quietly and secretly through a place to avoid being noticed.

"The children were sneaking around the house, trying not to wake their parents."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic informal

To behave secretively in order to hide a relationship, activity, or intention from someone.

"I know you've been sneaking around behind my back — just tell me the truth."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic informal

To go to a place or see someone secretly, especially in a romantic context involving deceit.

"He had been sneaking around with a colleague for months before his wife found out."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Often implies deception or guilt. Used about people hiding an affair, secret meetings, or forbidden activities. Tone is disapproving.

Commonly used with

behind someone's back secretly quietly unnoticed at night

Forms

Base
sneak around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sneaks around
he/she/it
Past simple
sneaked around
yesterday
Past participle
sneaked around
have + pp
-ing form
sneaking around
continuous

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Synonyms

creep around skulk about move stealthily go behind someone's back slink around

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