IN CAHOOTS Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "in cahoots" typically refers to a collaboration or secret partnership between two or more individuals or entities, often with covert or deceitful intentions. It carries a negative connotation, suggesting a sneaky or unethical alliance. The term is colloquial and informal in nature, commonly used in spoken language rather than in formal writing.
When two people or groups are said to be "in cahoots," it implies an often devious cooperation, where they work together towards a shared goal, often to the detriment of others. This collaboration may involve conspiring or engaging in illicit activities, orchestrated with calculative precision while concealing their intentions from others.
The term is believed to have originated in the American West during the mid-19th century, specifically among gamblers and outlaws. It likely came from the French phrase "cahute," meaning cabin or hut, which implies the secrecy of collaboration behind closed doors. Over time, the term has evolved to include any clandestine association, not limited to criminal activities.
In contemporary usage, "in cahoots" describes a secretive collaboration within various contexts, such as politics, business, or even personal relationships, where people conspire to further their own interests, often at the expense of others. This phrase is typically employed to express suspicion or skepticism towards the intentions and actions of those involved in a dubious partnership.
Common Misspellings for IN CAHOOTS
- un cahoots
- jn cahoots
- kn cahoots
- on cahoots
- 9n cahoots
- 8n cahoots
- ib cahoots
- im cahoots
- ij cahoots
- ih cahoots
- in xahoots
- in vahoots
- in fahoots
- in dahoots
- in czhoots
- in cshoots
- in cwhoots
- in cqhoots
- in cagoots
- in caboots
Etymology of IN CAHOOTS
The term "in cahoots" is an idiomatic expression, which means to be involved in a secret or dishonest partnership or collaboration. The word "cahoots" itself originated in the United States in the early 19th century.
The precise etymology of "cahoots" is uncertain, and there are a few theories about its origin. One theory suggests that it derives from the French word "cahute", meaning cabin or small shelter. It is believed that "cahoots" may have referred to the close quarters and secretive nature of partnerships formed in cramped spaces like cabins or huts.
Another theory proposes that "cahoots" is derived from the French phrase "en cohorte", meaning in a cohort or group, which could have been anglicized and shortened to "cahoots" over time.
Idioms with the word IN CAHOOTS
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be in cahoots (with somebody)
The idiom "be in cahoots (with somebody)" means to be involved in a secret or dishonest partnership or collaboration with someone, often to achieve a particular aim or exploit others. It implies a level of conspiratorial and deceptive behavior between the individuals involved.
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in cahoots (with someone)
The idiom "in cahoots (with someone)" means to be in a secret or conspiratorial partnership or collaboration with another person or group. It suggests a close cooperation usually to achieve some goal, often implying dishonesty or deceit.
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in cahoots (with sm)
The idiom "in cahoots (with someone)" refers to being in a secretive or conspiratorial partnership or collaboration with someone, often for an illicit or dishonest purpose. It implies a level of deceit or collusion between two or more individuals, working together to achieve a particular outcome, often at the expense of others.
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be in cahoots
The idiom "be in cahoots" refers to being in a secret or illicit partnership or collaboration with someone, usually for dishonest or deceptive purposes. It implies a conspiratorial relationship between individuals working together towards a common, often nefarious, goal.
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in cahoots (with sb)
The idiom "in cahoots (with someone)" means to be in a secret partnership or collaboration with someone, often for dishonest or nefarious purposes. It suggests a close relationship where two or more individuals are working together, often in a deceitful or conspiratorial manner.
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in cahoots
Being in collusion or partnership with someone, typically for deceitful or dishonest purposes.
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