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backstair

backstair

9.9
Secret and dishonest actions done in private
  • adjective
  • Archaic
translation icon : secreto
  • The backstair dealings of the company were finally exposed.

Examples

  • The politician was accused of backstair dealings to secure his nomination.

  • She was involved in some backstair negotiations that raised eyebrows.

  • As a journalist, she refuses to participate in backstair gossip or speculation.

  • Rumors about the CEO's resignation quickly led to backstair discussions among the staff.

  • The politician was accused of backstair dealings to secure his nomination.

  • She was involved in some backstair negotiations that raised eyebrows.

  • As a journalist, she refuses to participate in backstair gossip or speculation.

Synonyms

furtive
vsbackstair
14 7.5

To act quietly and secretly to avoid being seen

focuses on secret acts done for underhanded or unethical reasons
backstairs
vsbackstair
  • Archaic
9.8

Being secret and dishonest in a hidden, sly way

is a general term for secret, sly behavior with unethical implication
backstreet
vsbackstair
7.2

Describes businesses that are secret and illegal, like clinics or factories

means secret, sly, or morally wrong acts rather than illegal businesses

Antonyms

1.0

Truthful and fair, not cheating or lying

68 4.1

A person or process that is open and honest and does not hide information

How Underhanded

dishonorable
  • US
23 6.0
backstair
  • Archaic
9.9
underhanded
16 7.2
secretive
71 4.9
sly
31 4.9

Surface Forms

backstair positive

Morphology

backstair = back + stair (semi-transparent) = back + stair

The components 'back' + 'stair' are recognizable, but the adjectival meaning 'secret, underhand' is an idiomatic extension from activities occurring 'at the back stairs' and is not directly inferable by standard composition rules.

Etymology

The word backstair comes from the private back and stair in large houses that servants used to move unseen, so those stairs were for secret comings and goings. That's why backstair now means 'behind the scenes', secret or sly.