What does “In cahoots” mean?
"In cahoots" means that two or more people are working together secretly or conspiring.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The two politicians were in cahoots to pass the controversial bill.
Example
The employees were suspected of being in cahoots with the competitor.
Example
The criminals were in cahoots to plan the heist
Is “In cahoots” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“In cahoots” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “In cahoots” effectively in context?
You can use "In cahoots" to describe a situation where two or more people are working together secretly or conspiring. It implies a sense of collaboration for a hidden or possibly nefarious purpose. For example, if you suspect that two colleagues are sharing confidential information with a competitor, you might say, 'I think they're in cahoots with the other company.'
- 1Politics
The two politicians were in cahoots to pass the controversial bill.
- 2Work
The employees were suspected of being in cahoots with the competitor.
- 3Crime
The criminals were in cahoots to plan the heist.
Similar phrases to “In cahoots”:
In collusion
Secretly working together for a dishonest or illegal purpose
Example
The companies were found to be in collusion to fix prices.
In conspiracy
Secretly planning or working together to commit a crime or achieve a hidden objective
Example
The group was arrested for being in conspiracy to rob a bank.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “In cahoots” come from?
The origin of the phrase "In cahoots" is unknown.
Is “In cahoots” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "In cahoots" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe situations where people are suspected of collaborating or conspiring for a hidden agenda.
What tone does “In cahoots” have?
"In cahoots" conveys a tone of suspicion and secrecy. It suggests that there is something underhanded or dishonest about the collaboration or conspiracy being described.
Can “In cahoots” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "in cahoots" is informal and is typically used in casual conversations. It may not be suitable for formal or professional settings.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The two politicians were in cahoots to pass the controversial bill.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'They're definitely "in cahoots"!' to imply suspicion of collaboration.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- collaborating
- conspiring
- plotting
- cooperating
- working in tandem
Antonyms
- opposing
- competing
- disagreeing
- working independently
- working at cross purposes
