Meaning of hugger-mugger in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Classifying Adjective
    1. Definitions
  3. Adverb
    1. Definitions
  4. Noun
    1. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈhəɡərˌməɡər/

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    UK accent

  1. Classifying Adjective

    hugger-mugger

    Definitions

    1. in utter disorder

    Examples

    • « a disorderly pile of clothes »

    Synonyms

  2. 2. conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods

    Examples

    • « clandestine intelligence operations »
    • « cloak-and-dagger activities behind enemy lines »
    • « hole-and-corner intrigue »
    • « secret missions »
    • « a secret agent »
    • « secret sales of arms »
    • « surreptitious mobilizati »

    Synonyms

  3. Adverb

    hugger-mugger

    Definitions

    1. in secrecy

    Examples

    • « they did it all hugger-mugger »

  4. Noun

    hugger-mugger

    Definitions

    1. a state of confusion

    Examples

    • « ritual accompanied by complicated and purposeless activity that obscures and confuses »
    • « he engaged in the hugger-mugger of international finance »

    Derived terms

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