sub rosa

[ suhb roh-zuh ]

adverb

1. confidentially; secretly; privately.

sub rosa

/ ˈrəʊzə /

adverb

1. in secret

Word History and Origins

Origin of sub rosa¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin sub rosā literally, “under the rose,” from the ancient use of the rose at meetings as a symbol of the sworn confidence of the participants, based on the Greek myth that Aphrodite gave a rose to her son Eros, who then gave the rose to Harpocrates, the god of silence and secrets, to ensure that Aphrodite’s dalliances remained hidden

Word History and Origins

Origin of sub rosa¹

Latin, literally: under the rose; from the rose that, in ancient times, was hung over the council table, as a token of secrecy

Example Sentences

“In a few short years, the very idea of sports betting has been transformed from a taboo and sub rosa vice into a major business opportunity,” the company said in the report.

From Seattle Times

The backbiting — and the sub rosa efforts to thwart their own president — led to constant personnel turnover, a dreary parade of firings, resignations and defenestrations.

From New York Times

But Poor can also claim a quirky bit of sub rosa fame, and when he revealed it over dinner that night, I nearly fell out of my chair.

From Washington Post

There is something about the way the world relates to women that is bound to breed darkness — even if that darkness is sub rosa, hidden under blond curls and pretty dresses.

From New York Times

As a fan of “SCTV” in its original, late-night, almost sub rosa run, I have been in love with O’Hara’s work for a long time now.

From Los Angeles Times