Meaning
To do something discreetly or covertly, trying not to be noticed.
Cultural Background
The phrase is deeply linked to the 'Siglo de Oro' and the social customs of Madrid. It evokes the 'picaresca' tradition where outsmarting authority is seen as a sign of intelligence. While 'de tapadillo' is understood, 'por debajo del agua' is a very common local equivalent, especially for shady business or political deals. Argentines might use 'de cayetano' (slang) or 'a escondidas'. 'De tapadillo' sounds a bit more Peninsular (from Spain) but is perfectly understood in literature and news. In Colombia, 'por debajo de cuerda' is the preferred way to describe secret agreements, though 'de tapadillo' is used in formal writing.
Use it for 'Sneaky' Fun
It's a great word for harmless secrets, like eating the last piece of cake.
Don't change the ending
Even if you are a woman talking about yourself, it's always 'de tapadillo', never 'de tapadilla'.
Meaning
To do something discreetly or covertly, trying not to be noticed.
Use it for 'Sneaky' Fun
It's a great word for harmless secrets, like eating the last piece of cake.
Don't change the ending
Even if you are a woman talking about yourself, it's always 'de tapadillo', never 'de tapadilla'.
Journalistic context
If you see this in a newspaper, look for words like 'corrupción' or 'falta de transparencia' nearby.
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la forma correcta de la expresión.
No quería que sus padres se enteraran, así que salió de la casa ______.
'De tapadillo' is a fixed phrase and does not change gender.
¿En qué situación es más natural usar 'de tapadillo'?
Selecciona la mejor opción:
'De tapadillo' implies doing something sneaky or secret to avoid being caught.
Elige la respuesta más natural para el diálogo.
Persona A: ¿Cómo consiguió ese puesto de trabajo si no tiene experiencia? Persona B: ________
In this context, it implies a secret, unfair arrangement.
Empareja la acción con la descripción.
1. Mirar el examen del vecino. 2. Casarse sin invitados. 3. Salir de la oficina antes de tiempo.
All these actions involve doing something secretly to avoid consequences or attention.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Levels of Secrecy
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNo quería que sus padres se enteraran, así que salió de la casa ______.
'De tapadillo' is a fixed phrase and does not change gender.
Selecciona la mejor opción:
'De tapadillo' implies doing something sneaky or secret to avoid being caught.
Persona A: ¿Cómo consiguió ese puesto de trabajo si no tiene experiencia? Persona B: ________
In this context, it implies a secret, unfair arrangement.
1. Mirar el examen del vecino. 2. Casarse sin invitados. 3. Salir de la oficina antes de tiempo.
All these actions involve doing something secretly to avoid consequences or attention.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's not offensive, but it does imply that someone is being sneaky. Use it carefully if you don't want to sound accusatory.
Yes, it is understood everywhere, though 'a escondidas' is more common in daily speech in some regions.
'A hurtadillas' is specifically about physical movement (sneaking), while 'de tapadillo' is broader and can include abstract actions like making a deal.
Only if you have a very close relationship with the person. Otherwise, use 'de forma discreta'.
Etymologically yes, both come from 'tapar' (to cover). A 'tapa' was originally a slice of bread used to cover a drink to keep flies out.
No, the phrase is always 'de tapadillo'. 'Un tapadillo' as a noun is archaic.
Yes, characters often use similar expressions when discussing their secret plans.
'A la luz del día' or 'con total transparencia'.
It's more 'colloquial' than 'slang'. Real slang would be 'de estranjis'.
Absolutely! It's perfect for describing the secret preparations.
Related Phrases
A escondidas
synonymSecretly
A hurtadillas
similarOn tiptoe / stealthily
Bajo cuerda
specialized formUnder the table
Con nocturnidad y alevosía
builds onWith malice aforethought
