en clair

[ ahn kler ]

adverb

, French.

1. (especially of diplomatic messages) in ordinary language; not written or sent in code or cipher.

en clair

/ ɑ̃ klɛr /

adverb

1. in ordinary language; not in cipher

Word History and Origins

Origin of en clair¹

Literally, “in clear”

Word History and Origins

Origin of en clair¹

literally: in clear

Example Sentences

The Russian Ambassador also despatched an urgent message en clair to his Government embodying the contradiction communicated by the Wilhelmstrasse.

From Project Gutenberg

P.S.—The cypher will be better set by the last letter of the word en clair, immediately preceding the cyphered part of the letter.

From Project Gutenberg

I sent off a long telegram in cypher to the Stockholm Legation, making certain inquiries, and a longer one en clair to the British Consul at Gothenburg.

From Project Gutenberg

The cypher may be set by the first letter, which is written en clair, as I in this letter.

From Project Gutenberg