andar a escondidas
/andaɾ a eskondidas/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'sneaking around' is translated into Spanish as andar a escondidas.
This phrase is used to describe moving or acting in a secretive way to avoid being noticed. It can refer to physical movement, such as someone sneaking through a house or to metaphorical behavior, such as someone acting surreptitiously or having a secret relationship.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb andar (to walk/go), the preposition a (in/to) and the adjective escondidas (hidden/secret), literally meaning 'to walk/go in secret/hidden ways'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the continuous action of 'sneaking around' (the present participle), use the gerund form andando a escondidas.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, andar a escondidas is the standard way to describe a secret romantic affair. It implies a relationship that must be kept hidden from family or society to avoid scandal.
- Although andar means 'to walk', the phrase andar a escondidas can be used even if the person is sneaking around via email or social media, extending the 'walking' metaphor to digital spaces.
- The preterite form of the verb andar has a mysterious origin, likely influenced by the preterite of haber ('to have'), which explains why the letters 'b' and 'v' are interchangeable in their pronunciation.
Examples in context
- Él está actuando a escondidasHe is sneaking around.
- Los ladrones se movían sigilosamenteThe thieves were sneaking around.
- Ella se desplazaba sin ser vistaShe was sneaking around without being seen.
- Mis amigos andaban de puntillas para no despertar a nadieMy friends were sneaking around so as not to wake anyone up.
- Mis hermanos intentaban pasar desapercibidos durante toda la nocheMy siblings were trying to sneak around all night.
- Durante la película, los personajes principales tuvieron que actuar a escondidas para evitar ser atrapados por los villanosDuring the movie, the main characters had to sneak around to avoid being caught by the villains
- Los estudiantes se movían sigilosamente por los pasillos para llegar a la fiesta clandestinaThe students were sneaking around the hallways to get to the underground party
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, andar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
