under cover

1. Protected by a shelter, as in It began to pour but fortunately we were under cover . [c. 1400]

2. under cover of . Also, under the cover of . Hidden or protected by, as in They sneaked out under cover of darkness , or, as it was put in a sermon in 1751: “Presumption which loves to conceal itself under the cover of humility” (John Jortin, Sermons on Different Subjects ).

Example Sentences

Months of weekends were spent digging the 40ft tunnel, with debris being taken away in plastic boxes under cover of darkness.

From BBC

Residents told Reuters that Israeli tanks had reached the heart of Jabalia under cover of heavy air strikes and artillery fire, and said Israeli troops were destroying large numbers of homes every day.

From BBC

“There are very simple techniques to cover soldiers so they’re under cover but they’re still in a position to react, to not lose sight,” he said.

From BBC

Until recently, evacuation vehicles had been able to drive in under cover of darkness with their headlights off, Roman explained.

From BBC

Democrats praised it on the record, but some added — under cover of anonymity — that they weren’t sure a clear overall message emerged from the list of targeted proposals.

From Los Angeles Times